Nepalese Army In Non International armed Conflicts

Military Operations executed in Okhaldhunga*1*
Background.
Immediately after the lapse of a few months of the introduction of Panchayat System, on 1st Poush 2017(December 15, 1960) following the dissolution of the interim government by His Majesty late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, different terrorist*2 activities were carried out against the then Panchayat System through the united efforts of the dissatisfied political parties in different places of Nepal. Except the planners staying in foreign land, Commander Yagnya Bahadur Thapa can be cited as an example of an active worker in this act of terror. He was born at Chisankhupakhe Village of Okhaldhunga district, entered the service of the then Royal Nepalese Army (now Nepalese Army) and was promoted to the post of Captain. During his posting at Shreejunga Company, Taplejung district, he was sacked from service without a title to pension in 2018(1961) on the charge of plundering arms and ammunitions in close contact with the political leaders at the spot of Thumphedin of the same district. After dismissal from service, he went to India to pass his exiled life, and turned to insurgents’ organization by establishing close relation with different political leaders. 

At that time, armies and policemen were mobilized at the national level at different entry points in order to suppress the terrorists activities that were spreading widely in different districts of the country. At that moment, Captain Yagnya Bhadur Thapa of Nepalese Army, commanding the Shreejung Company, had settled at Thumphedin village in Taplejung district. Captain Yagnya Bahadur, being inclined towards political parties, colluded with the leaders and arranged a sumptuous dinner (Bada Khana) to the entire troops of the Company. He was sacked from service on the charge of letting the political workers plunder weapons by serving excessive liquors to the entire troops in the feast. In accordance with the traditional Customs, on the auspicious occasion of Bada Dashain and Chaite Dashain, the feast, which is organized in the Nepalese Army at the specified spot for all the soldiers right from the officers to the lower rank and file is called Bada Khana (sumptuous dinner). In this connection,  following reasons can be ascribed to the Okhaldhunga incident:-
*1*                                                                                                                                                      (a) From the talk with A.P.Major General Mr.Raghuchandra Bahadur Singh, Brigadier General Mr.Rukmangad Katuwal, A.P. Brigadier General Mr. Keshar Bahadur Gadtaula and other army officers who had participated in the above military operation.
 (b) Soorya (Monthly) -Year 2, Complete issue 11, Falgun, 2050 (mid-Feb. to mid-March,1994 ),Page 29.
 (c) Copy of the letter dated 2031/9/11/15 (1974/12/26/5 approx.) written to the Police Hdq. from the Police Inspector's Office, Okhaldhunga.                                                                                                                                                                             
*2*
The words, “terrorist, terror, insurgents and insurgency” have been used according to the then Nepalese Government. All those political parties and anti-Panchayat System elements who fought for democracy have become freedom fighters after 1990. Please do not misunderstand them in the present context. 
a)Ex-Captain Yagnya Bahadur Thapa’s dismissal from service and his full dedication towards the  Nepali Congress.
b) Captain Yagnya Bahasur Thapa’s arrival to establish contact with the political workers at the time when they were   organizing armed forces in the foreign land.
c) Insurgents’ involvement in the organizing and collection of the arms and ammunitions with the objective of establishing their station at an appropriate spot of Nepal.
d) Full assurance extended by Jamdar(Wo-2) Karna Bahadur Basnet working in the district of  Okhaldhunga Army barrack itself to provide   help to political workers.

 3. Objectives behind the Okhaldhunga Incident

a) To plunder the Bank and collect money after capturing the Barrack in the     district of Okhaldhunga .
b) To capture the districts Headquarters of Solukhumbu and Diktel and put them under their control. 
c) To cause obstructions in the governmental development works.
d) To create an environment of instability in the country by causing unrest and terror among the people.
e) To thwart the auspicious coronation of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.
f) To show the might of the political parties at the national and international level   through aggressive terrorism.
g) To restore the multiparty democratic system in Nepal and overthrow the partiless Panchayat System.
4. Initiation of Okhaldhunga Incident
While going on training to Biratnagar Barrack from Okhaldhunga Army barrack Jamdar(Wo-2) Karna Bahadur Basnet, who was working with Vishnudal Company in Okhaldhunga district, met Ex-Captain Yagna Bahadur Thapa and political workers, and assured them of his cooperation in case an attack is to be made in the district of Okhaldhunga. For this purpose Karna Bahadur Basnet had received a sum of Rupees 12,000 (Twelve Thousand) Indian Currency in two installments from the workers and after his arrival at home, he had written letters to the Nepali political workers in India. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         5. In accordance with Jamdar Karna Bahadur’s plan, he intended to remain on duty as Junior Commission Officer (duty JCO) at the time when the insurgents would come to loot the Nepalese Army Barrack and he would depute the personnel selected by himself to the duty of the quarters guard.Quarter guard is the main store of weapons, ammunition and explosives.  Since it was planned to extend help in the capturing of the barrack under such a situation, the terrorists fully planned to move towards Okhaldhunga in the month of Marga 2031(Nov 1974).

6. On 10th Marga, 2031(25th Nov., 1974), a group of 35(thirty-five) personnels including Ex-Captain Yagnya Bahadur Thapa  had  assembled at the house of Narayan Babu Tiwari at the Chandanpati village in India to meet with the political leaders . They were instructed to attack Okhaldhunga district of Sagarmatha Zone, capture it and plunder the Bank. Then with the aim of capturing Solukhumbu and Diktel districts, Captain Yagnya Bahadur Thapa was made tactical Commander, and briefings were given to Gopal Rai, Ram Laxman and Mahesh Karmacha. On that very day, they were seen off by the Congress leaders after getting garlanded with flowers and auspicious red vermillion 'tika' put on their foreheads from Aanpgachhi of Farbesganj, India. At 18:00 o’clock in the evening, a group of thirty-five armed forces set off to enter into the Nepalese territory. Prior to this, the Ex-police Head Constable Shamsher Bahadur had taken Ambar Bahadur Gurung, Corporal of Bishnudal Company to Chandanpati in India around 23-24th Kartik 2031(8-9th October 1974). At that time, Captain Yagya Bahadur Thapa had taken information about the arms and ammunitions stored at Bishnudal Company located at Okhaldhunga from Ambar Bahadur and that the Congress leaders had also interviewed that person. Thus the insurgents armed in a group of thirty-five, being fully assured and accompanied by the military personnel fully acquainted with the situation in addition to getting full cooperation and assurance even from the incumbent military personnel, arrived at Aanpgachhi near Jainagar, the boardering area of Nepal.

7. At Aanpgachhi, some Congress workers had distributed arms and ammunitions and clothes required for those 35 persons. Details of arms and clothes were as follows:- 
Weapons
Rifle-10 pcs ,Stengun-5 pcs,12Bore gun-5 pcs,Pistol-3 pcs,,No.36 Grenade-10 pcs,Ammunitions rounds ; 150each of the list a, b, c,and d,Walkie talkie-4 pcs,Compass-1 pc,Gelatin-8(materials for exploding bridges),Mark 5 rifle-5 pcs  and Explosives, detonators etc.

Clothes
Woolen shirts-35 pcs,Khagi woolen vests -35 pcs,Rubber vests -35 pcs,PT Shoes-35 pairs ,Woolen sock -35 pairs,National caps-35 pcs,Woolen Caps-35 pcs,Woolen jerseys-35 pcs,Tumlets-35 pcs and Kitbags-35 pcs.

8. Details of Incident

On 2031/8/11(1974/11/23) while the team of the thirty-five terrorists was  proceeding towards Okhaldhunga after receiving  the above- mentioned weapons and clothes , three of them ,viz Gopal Rai, Mohan Kumar Gurung and Ganesh Dhimal strayed at the night time, and hence were left at the same place. While coming secretly en route to Kamala river via Jainagar from the Nepal border, the team of the remaining 32 persons dispersed at the sight of the peasants who were guarding  the paddy, when they  arrived  at the nearby Badarwa village. As a result of losing the way, again the two armed personnel named Dhak Bahadur and Deep Dewan got separated from the group along with the weapons and Captain Yagya Bahadur ,being unable to trace them in spite of a wide search ,moved ahead with  the remaining thirty persons. While crossing the Kamala River enroute, Ambar Bahadur dropped one piece of Mark 5 rifle and 50 rounds of bullets into the river and the terrorists along with their weapons arrived at  Grass village(near Katari) of Udayapur district and took their lunch on 2031/8/14(1974/11/29) at the house of Birsha Bahadur Rai, a relative of Lok Bahadur Gurung. Birsha Bahadur had served the terrorists with a meal of mutton and already given them  assurances of collecting the ex-servicemen for  further extension of help to the terrorists. But as the preplanned assistance could not be provided, they set off for Mayakhu via Harithumka, wrapping the arms and ammunitions under their possession in a cloth and getting them carried by a porter and passed the night at a shop over there.

9. On 2031/8/15(1974/11/30) the terrorist had sent a four member team secretly from there without arms under the leadership of Amber Bahadur to enquire about the situation of the Solu district. Other members were Amber Bahadur, Harka Bahadur Karki, Ram Kumar Sunuwar, Bhim Bahadur Katuwal and Keshar Rai. Of the weapons, except those of the persons sent to Solu district, the uncertified and excess weapons were hidden at a spot of the forest called Balaute Chhango.On being informed about these weapons by the terrorists arrested later, the army and police traced and submitted them to the Police Office. Details of weapons available are as follows:-

	303 rifle -10 pcs, Mark 5 rifle -2 pcs,	12 Bore gun -1 pc,d.	Explosives -27 pcs
	Gelatine—16 pcs and	Bag (made of cloth and full of documents)- 1 pc

10. At dawn, 3 a.m on 2031/8/16(1974/12/1) the terrorists crossed Toxel Ghat(embankment) and entered  the Okhaldhunga district. Of them, Madan Bahadur Rai, being confined to bed, was left at the lowland house (confluence of Bholung streams) of Bhim Bahadur Adhikari and the terrorists moved ahead. In order to know the situation of the headquarters of the Okhaldhunga district, Tika Rai was sent with a walky talky and they had reached the forest of Majhigaon for the night haltage on 2031/8/16(1974/12/1). In the morning of 2031/8/17(1974/12/2), they set off from there, took their lunch at the farm house of Buddhi Man Tamang located by the side of Molang stream and reached  the forest of Simlebeshi for the night haltage. 

11. In the morning of 19th Marg, 2031(4th December, 1975), they set off for the Dhodre forest crossing  the Melung stream en route to Para Dovan and reached  the Dhodre forest on 20th Marg(5th December) and stayed  one night there. The next day 21st Marg( 6th December) they crossed  the Palung stream in the night and stayed in Thare at Sahinli’s house.  The woman was known as Thare Sahinl. On 22nd Marg(7th December) morning, Peshal  Kumar Dahal, a terrorist, with the letter of Chandra Kanta Sharma and Bal Bahadur Rai alias Bhairab was sent to meet them.. He (P.K. Dahal) came across the Okhaldhunga-based Nepalese Army and the Police Troops at a place called Khaltekholchhi at the Prapcha Village Panchayat. While they intended to capture him, he (Dahal) attempted to escape and, in turn, he was shot dead on the spot by the Army and Police.

12. In the morning of 21st Marg, 2031(6th December ,1975), the terrorists who left the home of Thare Sahili, spent that day and also the 5th December in the Thare jungle. Next day, 22nd Marg(7th December), they crossed  the Banseko stream, entered the Khinji Panchayat and ate boiled potatoes at the residence of Kami Sherpa. In the meantime, Mahesh Karmacha, also a terrorist, set off towards his home at  Khijibhuji and his in-law’s home after taking a sum of Rs. 1200  from ex-Captain Yagnya Bahadur to make a  gathering of people and  to buy  woollen carpets. Other teams reached a place called Thapa Danda on 24th Marg(9th December) , made hamlets and started residing there. They divided their team into four groups from this very place and set an ambush on the top of the hill. The same day, Hari Saplacha, brother-in-law of Mahesh Karmacha, who was on a mission to gather people, reached the ambush site, met Yagnya Bahadur and said, “ Woollen carpets are being carried by the people, who will arrive here by tomorrow and the carpets will be handed over to you.  My brother-in-law, Mahesh Karmacha and I will arrive here with men". Hari Salpacha stayed there one night and started waiting for Mahesh Karmacha till the morning of 27th Marg, 2031(12th December, 1975). Since Mahesh karmacha did not turn up till 27th Marg, 2031(12th December, 1975), the team led by Yagnya Bahadur left for the Solu district enroute to a place called Tolu. That team reached a village called Aangmang on 28th Marga(13th December) and they stayed one night in a desolate house, and reached the residence of Netra Bahadur next day, 29th Marga(14th December). There they took their morning meal and these terrorists spent their night in a natural cave which looked like a bunker located at the Tilpung forest.

13. Beginning of the Military Operations for Stopping  Terrorist Activities   
                                                                                       
From the very formation of the Nepalese Army, military service has been regarded as a prestigious profession.. Everyone working in such establishments has remained loyal and true to salt in its true sense to every Government of Nepal.To a soldier, the order from the higher level is more important than his own life. Military personnels work with trust in their Commander’s integrity and faith in the Government’s 'SINDUR' (a mark of saffron powder paste pasted on the soldier's forehead by the King (now Prime Minister) with his fingers as a sign of his grace to take them in his fold).  This is a profession in which everyone makes a promise not to flinch from  slaying  even his own  father and hang  his own  mother if the country so demands. If someone commits a betrayal by remaining in such a profession,   it will be a heinous crime, an abysmal sin and a high treason contrary to the salt of the land in accordance with military ethics. The major religion of the army everywhere in the world is to stand by the code of military ethics. In whatever way may it be defined from one's political and personal point of view and however best may it be adjudged in the world, if a military man betrays institutional religion and get swayed at the instigation by outsiders, he is an outright traitor ,disloyal to the salt of the land. No political odour is permissible within military confidence, law and discipline. For example, a veteran statesman may formulate policies and regulations and make decisions but if the Army commander who goes to implement these decisions, works in favour of the enemy, and acts contrary to the order, even the national sovereignty may remain at stake or the nation will have to lose its territory. In times of peril, the entire country is likely to get extinct due to the misconduct of a military leader. Hence there is no room for any compromise at all between an army and its integrity. 

14. The then Captain Yagnya Bahadur Thapa who held   the prestigious post of Company Commander,wore  the uniform of the Nepalese Army  with the Government’s SINDUR(a mark of grace} on his head, and was   responsible for  the security of two  to three districts, committed an act which was an outright treachery to the army. No one in an Army uniform should remain engaged in political activities. Army personnels are also citizens of the country, they are also entitled to political rights, but political activities are possible for him only when he is relieved of the military service. The handing- over of  the Company’s arms and ammunitions to the political parties declared  anti-national elements by the Government by  getting all the rank and file working with the Taplejung -based Shree Jung Company drink heavily at the time of a sumptuous dinner organized on the occasion of the Dashain Festival, is totally an illegal action. Its political interpretation could be otherwise but from the military point of view, it is an act of sedition against the nation. If such personnels continue to work, it is likely that they might even offer the keys of the arsenal to the enemy during the times of crisis.  There can be no less heinous crime than this in the chapter of the military law of the world. It is in this context that the Nepalese Army had taken an action to avert the activities of the terrorists that occurred in Okhaldhunga.

 Actions taken from the then Government’s taken  were as follows:-
a. On 17th  Marga ,2031(2nd December, 1975), the then Bishnu Dal Company located at Okhaldhunga knew through a special source that a terrorist group with arms and ammunitions had already entered via  the Toksel river bank located at Okhaldhunga at 3 o’clock in the morning of 16th Marga, 2031(1st December, 1975). This news was circulated to the concerned department and the police and army personnel in civil dress were deployed to acquire detailed information about the terrorists.

b.The concerned Brigade Officer circulated an order to the Commander of Bishnu Dal Company to make special security arrangement. Accordingly, the Company made a plan to destroy the terrorists by setting an ambush in the proper place in pursuance of the opinion of the Company Commander. Based on the news that a group of 25/30 terrorist have been staying at the residence of Buddhiman and they were moving ahead through the Bholung stream, the Company Commander sent a section troops under the leadership of Jamada(WO-2) Karna Bahadur (who was a paid agent of the terrorist group)to destroy the terrorists by setting an ambush on their route. The police officers and other policeman also accompanied the team. However, Jamadar Karna Bahadur, without setting an ambush in the fixed site, set it near the bridge of Chyanam with the intention of letting the terrorists escape. The terrorists knew about this plan since they had an efficient means of communication. They gave up their planned route and proceeded towards the Para village via Para Dovan and thus the ambush was a failure. 

c. Thereafter, a team comprising of the Army and the Armed Police in civil dress was sent again through Prapcha to set up an ambush at Thare. The ambush team shot dead Peshal Kumar Dahal, a terrorist, in the morning of 21 Marga, 2031(6th December, 1975) at a place called Khaldekholsi in Prapacha Village Panchayat when Dahal tried to escape the ambush team.

d. As per the message that the terrorists are entering via Toxel Ghat, Karna Bahadur’s team was deployed on 18 Marga, 2031(3rd December ,1975)  to set an ambush in Toxel Ghat to wipe out the terrorists assembled in the Para Gaun. However, Jamadar Karna Bahadur fetched the army straight to Toxel Ghat and the Terrorists got a chance to escape Para Dovan. As per the prior information that the terrorists are heading towards Solu via Para Dovan, one section troops   was sent to set up an ambush. As per the information that the terrorists are heading towards Pattale Height to capture the Salleri Bank, their intention was intimated to the concerned department as well. The concerned department instructed the Company Commander of the Bishnu Dal Company for operational readiness for an immediate move of more than one Platoon troops to protect Salleri. Accordingly, one platoon of the Bishnu Dal Company was deployed towards Salleri.

e. On 28 Marga, 2031(December 13, 1975), Raghuchandra Bahadur Singh ,the then Major(later Major General), along with one Section Commander of the Pashupati Prasad Battalion went there by helicopter. As per the order of Major Raghuchandra, a team under the Command of Captain  Indra Bahadur Sijapati, the Company Commander of Bishnu Dal Company moved  towards Salleri by helicopter on 29th Marga, 2031(14th December, 1975). As planned by Raghuchandra Bahadur Singh, upon the fleeing and disappearance of Captain Yagya Bahadur in course of search for a person competent enough to launch further operation, the then Captain Rukmangadh Katuwal was summoned to Okhaldhunga. Katuwal took the risky step. Katuwal is Chief of Army staff at present. The overall commander of this task was the then Major Raghuchandra Bahadur Singh, who is a retired Major General at present. All of the Army Officers (Singh, Katawal and Sijapati) did a very good job by the order of the then Government. They must be appreciated for their courageness but should not be critisized from the political viewpoint at present 

15. Action upon arrival at Solu. 

  A team led by the Commander of Bishnu Dal Company, Captain (later Major) Indra Bahadur Sijapati, upon arrival at Solu, selected a proper site, prepared defense position and arranged strict security and was receiving information from various sources. Next day the team was informed by the deputy chief of local Panchayat that the terrorists were staying in Tilpung forest areas. A team consisting of a few army and police personnel in civil dress, concealing arms and ammunitions and supposedly familiar with the place, was deployed on an espionage mission. This team came across a member of the terrorists gang called Shamsher Bahadur, an Ex-Police Head Constable, who was proceeding towards the Headquarters of Solu, pretending to buy a he-goat and he (Shamsher Bahadur ) was caught by this team. He gave all the details concerning the terrorists' residential sites. The on-the-spot details were reported and a plan was made to destroy the terrorists who were living in the cave of Tilpung forest and save the main position. A NCO’s (Billadar) team was sent to set up an ambush in the Solu Bridge. Subedar Tap Bahadur was ordered to remain on stand -to. 
Accompanied by Shamsher Bahadur who was captured at 15:30 on 30th Marga, 2031(15th December, 1975), a move was made towards Tilpung cave en route from Solu to Salme. Making a halt at a distance of 150 yards, a reconnaissance of the cave was made. No activities except fire light was observed then. Upon the second observation,the shadow of a man moving  became  visible. The team left this site for a while and came back again giving some directions. Accordingly,a grenade was thrown from the uppermost hole and the team entered the cave, firing from right and left sides. In this way, an attack was launched until 5 a.m.  in the morning of 1st Poush, 2031(16th Dec, 1975) and the site was under the control of the army. The following persons are reported to have been killed in the army operation:-
Mahesh Koirala- Sena Village Panchayat, Ram Upadhya- Sirah,Laxman Chandra Sirah,Padma Prasad Puri- Aiselukharka,	Man Bahadur Limbu,	Mahilo Rai- Halesi,	Netra Bahadur Karki- Ex -policeman, Dingla,	Lal Bahadur Tamang –Dharan,	Praja Lal Rai and 	Shyam Bahadur Gurung-Dumre

 Ram Prashad Rai was the one who escaped from the cave during the1st Poush (16th December)'s army operation. He was found wounded in the forest and died on the way while being taken to Solu. Though some terrorists fled from the cave, a police team led by Police Inspector Bhakta Bahadur Pradhan who was kept in the cut-off position shot them dead in a place called Thade. Those killed at Thade by the bullets of the team were Agam Mani Rai, Man Bahadur Thapa Magar, Chandra Bahadur Tamang and Krishna Prasad Limbu. The following are the list of weapons and other equipments found at Thade including the Tiplung forest during search operation carried out at the suspected areas:-
303 Rifle-3, Sten Gun-1, 12 Bore rounds –152, Sten gun Bullet-200, 36 Hand Grenade -4
 Mat –2, Mark 5 Rifle –2, 38 Bore Pistol –2, 303 Bullet –1390, Walkie Talkie -1
, Detonator –4 and  12 Bore Gun –1.

A few others who escaped from the military operation carried out at Tilpung Jungle and Thade are as follows:-

Ex. -Captain Yagya Bahadur Thapa,  Mahesh Karmacha,  Jasodhan Rai
, Keshar Thulung  and  Shiva Kuamar Rai.

18. Arrest of Ex -Captain Yagya Bahadur Thapa 

Nepalese Army and Police were stationed at all the passes of the district to capture the terrorists who had dispersed and escaped. The Nepalese Army and  Police returned to Solu in search of the places where the  terrorists  had escaped. After it was discovered that the Team Leader Captain Yagya Bahadur Thapa had escaped from the cave of the Tilpung forest  and proceeded towards his home, he was pursued and meanwhile a message was received that he was hiding himself past the way to Kuivir village in a hay stack near a Brahmin's home in a place called Chisankhu and it was relayed to a platoon of the Nepalese Army which was one of the many teams stationed at the potential passes and was now being deployed to set up an ambush at the Rasuwaghat quay.  The team captured Ex-Captain Yagya Bahadur Thapa in the hay stack. In this way the terrorists team leader Yagya Bahadur Thapa was captured with the help of the Nepalese Army, some Police personnel, and  local Administration and with the support of the local people .Upon the divulgence of this matter, the following personnels from Kathmandu were deputed on 6th Poush, 2031(21st December ,1975) to take statements, make enquiries and investigate into this matter at the central level :-

a.	Home Secretary Birendra Parsad Shah- Chairman
b.	D.I.G.P. Chaand Bahadur Rai-Member
c.	D.I.G.P Durlabh Kumar Thapa –Member
d.	Colonel Keshar Bahadur Gadtaula-Member (later Retired Brigadier General).
e.	Advocate Bhairab Prasad Lamsal –Member

19. Yagnya Bahadur Thapa’s Statement 

When the senior officers deputed to the investigation task probed Yagnya Bahadur Thapa and took his statement,he involved  Jamadar(WO-2) Karna Bahadur Basnet of the  Vishnudal Company and Corporal Bhupendra Bahadur Basnet of Bardabahadur Company who had been transferred there from Vishnudal Company . So both Captain Yagnya Bahadur Thapa and Jamdar Karna Bahadur Basnet were brought to Kathmandu by helicopter for Government’s action. Corporal Bhupendra Basnet was arrested from the duty-station at Chhauni museum when he was there on duty, and was put under detention for legal action.              
Of the thirty-five Terrorists solely engaged in Okhaldhunga incident, sixteen died from the military and police operations. Nine of them including Yagya Bahadur were arrested and Gopal Rai, Mohan Gurung and Ganesh Dhimal also crossed the Indian border and never came back and Deep Dewan Rai, Dhak Bahadur Rai, Mahesh Karmacha, Lok Bahadur Gurung, Jasodhan Rai, Keshar Thulung and Shiva kumar Rai escaped from the clutches of military operation and remained absconding. Thus, the Okhaldhunga episode started and ended. 

Contribution of the Nepalese Army to Khampa Disarming Operation *2*

20. Background.

After the fleeing of the Tibetan Dalai Lama to India, Chinese operation started to mount up in Tibet in Vikram Era 2028(1971), and some Khampas, who were against the cultural revolution, fled  Tibet and started to settle in the adjoining districts of the Himalayan border on  the northern region of Nepal. They started to operate independent activities in favour of Tibet from the Nepalese soil. These activities being contrary to the lofty ideals of National Policy, some Khampas were killed in the military operations carried out by Nepal, some fled, and some of the runaways surrendered. This is known as the Khampa episode in the Nepalese military history. 

21. Adjoined with the northern border of our country is a Tibetan State situated at a height of nearly 4000 meters from the sea level with an  area of  12 lakh( 1.2 million) square Kilometers and a population of about then 19 lakh(1.9 million). This is known by the nickname of "The country of Freeze” or “The world’s roof”. A baby boy was born to a peasant family at a place called Aamdo of Tibet on October 6, 1936. His name was Lama Dandup, who was later on turned into Dalai Lama incarnate. Dalai Lama was enthroned as King of Potala Palace and began to rule from there. He reigned till 1949 A.D. 

22. Lama Dandup ,not only a believer in Tantric religion by himself but also an executor of  development works, was strengthening  his  military organization with training in the use of modern weapons and military exercises as per necessity  in order to protect the national sovereignty and check international interference. In the Tibetan language, Dalai Lama’s military personnel are found addressed as “Khampa” and non-military ones as “Dhopa”

23. Tibet recognized as the “Roof of the word” is found divided into six regions with the denominations of Ngarikosurma, Chang, Yu, Kham, Aamdo and Jhyangthan. Of those regions, the boundary of Kham region is Aamdo to the north,Burma and the Yunan provinces of  China to the south, Sechuwan and Kansu provinces also of China  to the east , and  Kampo and Yu-Chang of Tibet on the west. The capital of Kham is chhamdo. The people of Kham region are also found addressed as “Khampa”.*3* Those Khampas were, by nature, quite fearless and competent warriors. Being orthodox supporters of Buddhism, they never fall behind to plunder people of their property and to commit robbery in order  to construct the monastery and offer presents to the Lamas for the sake of religion.
                                                                                                                                                                                               
*2* This report was prepared with the help from the issues of The Gorkhapatra dated from 7th Shravan to 6th  Ashwin, 2031 (22nd Aug to 21st Oct. 1974), The Sachet Monthly, Chinese Tibetan magazines, 1991 ( 1934 A.D.), and the talk with and co-operation from Retired  Commander - in -Chief  Mr. Satchit Shumsher Rana, the Retired Major General Mr.Bharat Keshar Singh,Brigadier General Mr. Victory Rana, Retired Lt.  General Mr.Balananda Sharma, and late Colonel   Mr.Gyanu Babu Adhikary.     
 
*3* This is an extract from the unpublished collections of Under-secretary Tamla Ukyab. Mr. Ukyab had served as an Operational Coordinator and prepared Base Report in the Janch-Bujh Kendra(Investigation Center)of  Royal Palace under the Khampas Disarming Operation. 

  *4*   The Khampa Disarming Operation stands prominent in National Military History of Nepal. Mr. Shailendra Bahadur Mahat, M.C. was the Chief Administrative Officer from the Home Ministry in the military operation. He was a very tactful and courageous man. He fought against the Japanese aggression in the Burmese Front during the World War II from the Nepalese side and received Military Cross(MC) Medal from the then British Government. In fact, he was a living hero. He retired as Lt. Colonel from the Nepalese Army and  later, was awarded the rank of Honorary Colonel. After retiring from the Army, he was appointed as Civil Administrator. His contribution in this military operation was very supportive. 
However, there was some personality clash among the then Brigade Commander Singh Pratap Shah, Mission Commander, the then Lt. Colonel Satchit Shumsher Rana and the Chief Civil Administrator Shailendra Bahadur Mahat. Shailendra Mahat and Lt. Colonel Satchit Rana had mutual cooperation and they had one go. But Brigade Commander Singh Pratap and Satchit’s team could not develop warm relation with each other. As a result, the situation became inconvenient for ground operation so that late Singh Pratap Shah and Satchit Shumsher Rana presented different version to this scribe about the Khampa Disarming Operation. Both the parties tried their best to project their individual supremacy. However, that was a successful operation and the ground troops did a very good job and it is a mile-stone in the Nepalese Military History. 
                                                                                                                                                                                     24. Reasons behind the arrival of the Khampas in Nepal.
With the emergence of the Communist regime under the leadership of Mao-Tse Tung in the People’s Republic of China, the wave of revolution began to surge in the whole of China. Consequently, private properties, landed properties, industrial concerns, factories, schools etc. began to be nationalized. Not only that, monasteries and temples also were demolished.  Religion started vanishing from China. Mao -Tse -Tung had taken this step with the view that one who believes in religion cannot be progressive and  that ,with a faith  in religion, a country's development is not possible. Thus Mao Tse Tung, with an intention to maintain   his  supremacy even in Tibet, announced from Radio China that  Tibet shall be liberated , communist rule  imposed , and feudal landlordship ended  soon over there  and that the Red Army shall come  victorious. Afterwards, in Kartik 2006(October 1949), the news that 80000 - strong Chinese Peoples' Liberation Army was moving to capture Tibet by crossing Duju stream for the first time was communicated to Dalai Lama. It was not possible for the eight thousand five hundred (8500) - strong Tibetan army to face the 80000-strong Chinese army.

25..Due to the inadequacy of the number of the Tibetan army, lack of modern weapons and inadequate battle fighting exercises, Dalai Lama thought it proper to leave the country, and take refuge in a  neighbouring country and he reached New Delhi in 2008(1951) from  the Indian border of Sikkim ,accompanied by his aides, met the then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, President Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Jai Prakash Narayan and intimated to them the burning problems of Tibet. After the   supremacy of the Red Army over Tibet,the people of Tibet ,   militia and non-militia, who had not been  able to follow  Dalai Lama had to put up with an excessive severity . Consequently, they began to settle near the Tinkerlipu Byas valley in the west, and Olangchunggola, Rasuwagadhi and Kesang Pass in the east on the bordering places of the northern region of Nepal. A majority of them settled at the Kesang Pass of Mustang. Thus some of them gradually entered into Nepal and started to settle there as refugees.

Agreement signed between the Government of Nepal and the People’s Republic of China

26. Of the exiled Tibetans, the alien powers had extended cooperation to the Khampa tribes living within and outside Tibet by distributing clothes, foodgrains, arms and ammunitions to them. These provisions were airdropped at a spot called Tangebhyu by constructing helipads and dropping zones.As per the version of the local people, they had also imparted training to the military personnel. These trainees used to enter the Tibetan land from time to time and sporadically carry out terrorist activities such as raping, massacring people, killing and eating yaks, goats and sheep, plundering , setting shops on fire, etc. At that time, the Chinese government corresponded with the then Nepalese Government and an Agreement was signed between the two Governments for solving the Khampa problem. The following points are understood to have been included in the Agreement:-
a. whether or not  China will be permitted to enter Nepal  for carrying out operations against the Khampas. 
b. If Nepal itself is prepared to annihilate the Khampas, the Chinese government will provide necessary cooperation.

27.After concluding this Agreement, Nepal decided to conduct disarming operation against Khampas and  a “Reconnaissance Team”of the Nepalese Army set off immediately for Mustang for the collection of  information in accordance with the decision of the then  HMG and the order issued by the then Commander- in -Chief  Singh Bahadur Basnet. This Team moved towards Kesang under the Leadership of the then Colonel Shree Satchit  Shamsher Rana on behalf of the Nepalese Army (later Chief of Army Staff) accompanied by  two other officers. This team had submitted a report after investigating the activities of the Khampas'camps. 
                                                         		  
28.Major Points of the Reconnaissance Report.

a. Nearly 5000 Khampas had come from Tibet, crossing the Himalayan mountains and settled at different places. 
b. They possessed adequate weapons, bullets and explosives.
c. Their main Headquarters was Kesang Camp located at the foot of the Nilgiri Himalayan Mountains.
d. A person named Gey-Wangdi was the Main Leader of the Khampas
e. Other Khampa Camps were established at different sites including Kagbeni, Thini, Chhusang, Samar, Dhiling, Dhami, Samda, Charang, Tangebhyu, Pangachya, Manang,and Muktinath.
f. People were extremely terrified as they started plundering different places of Nepal and Tibet too. 
29.Reasons behind the Movement initiated by the Khampas in Nepal . 
              
a. To capture the Mustang district of Nepal and make it a guerrilla base to discourage China through terrorism and to recapture Tibet, the Tibetan  Autonomous Region.
b. If Nepal took steps to disarm the Khampas, they were ready to revolt against Nepal too. Later, having come to know that the Nepalese Army was taking action against them, according to people's version Dalai Lama had sent to the Khampas the tapes recorded with his speech addressed to them to fight against Nepal. However, several Khampas had considered it better to surrender rather than fight with the Nepalese troops. 

30.Plan formulated by the Nepalese Army for disarming the Khampas 
 
a. Then His Majesty the King Birendra had issued an order to peacefully disarm the Khampas settled in Mustang, bring them near Pokhara and prohibit them from proceeding towards the northern region. In order to accomplish the task accordingly, some platoons form the Nepalese Army Headquarters were moved towards Pokhara on 1/3/ 2031 (15/7/1974) for the initial  preparation work. The Shreenath Battalion was the unit which mainly participated with a major role in the Khampa disarming activities. 

*4* The Shreenath Battalion was named as “Exercise Battalion” and  in it were included two Companies from the Shreenath Battalion , Indradhwaj Company, Narayandal Company,a Logistic Company lower by one Platoon and a mixed Artillery Battery. .
The Battalion was led by the then Lt. Colonel Shree Satchit Samsher Rana. Captain Victory Rana (later Lt.  General) was the Adjutant Officer of the said Battalion. Except the Exercise Company, other units were as follows:- 
  Shreenath Battalion(main force), Rajdal Battalion,Bhairabnath Battalion(Para Trooper)
,Kali Prasad Battalion,Ganeshdal Battalion, First Rifle Battalion, Indradhwaj Company
 Aridaman Company,  Chandannath Company and Narayandal Company. 

b. On the 1st of Ashadh, 2031(15th July, 1974), after proceeding from Pokhara, they reached Jomsom via  Naudanda, Hile,Ghorepani, Sikha, Dhasa, Lete and Marpha on the northern side, and then two pieces of 75/24 Pack-houser(artillery weapon) taken from Rajdal Battalion were put into action. The Brigade Headquarters was in Jomson whereas Brigadier General Mr. Singh Pratap Shah was the Brigade Commander (later Chief of Army Staff) for the operation. Major Purendra Shamsher Rana(later Colonel) and Captain Suraj Shamsher JBR were the Brigade Staff Officers. Captain Suraj Rana is the elder brother of Queen Aishwarya. After being promoted to the rank of Major, Captain Suraj tendered resignation voluntarily. Let it be kept in memory that when Nepal-Tibet war broke out during the time of Jung Bahadur Kunwar(Rana), the Nepalese Army had made an  excellent preparation. In the military history of Nepal, the preparation made for the Khampa disarming operation can be taken as the most extensive after the last Nepal-Tibet war.

 c. In this military operation, Indradhoj Company from Pokhara had led the advance party.  This company arriving at Kaisang area had played a major role in cordon and search operation under initial patrolling, long range patrolling and main camp. While carrying out military operations at the height of 17,000 ft. all at once, the platoons had to undergo a severe hardship. In addition to accomplishing excellent works at Samara and Dhami areas, this company had played a special role in transferring the Khampas to Pokhara and also in constructing the Jomson airport. Major Mr. Sushil Raj Karki (later Lt. General ) and Asst. Company Commander Lieutenant Tara Bahadur Thapa were deputed as Operational Company Commanders for the sake of this Company.

 31.Order issued to Gey Wangdi to hand over weapons

Following the deployment of various units and subunits, a letter stating " Hand over weapons and surrender, otherwise the Nepalese Army is ready to take action” was dispatched to Gey Wangdi, leader of the Khampas. He was trained as Military Officer in Royal Military Academy, UK.  In response to this letter, Khampa’s leader Gey Wangdi replied positively through a letter stating that they are ready to surrender and hand over weapons. Although the date to hand over the weapons was fixed as on and from 5th Shrawan 2031(20 July 1974). the date was extended to 11th Shrawan, 2031(26th July 1974) upon the request for some extra time by the Khampas. Still further, the Khampas requested for some more extra time and agreed to hand over the entire weaponry at midnight 2p.m. of 16th Shrawn (31st July 1974).

32. While conducting intensive search at Kesang camp on Shrawan 17th, 2031 (August 1, 1974 ) various kinds of weapons and ammunitions were found buried under the ground and they were seized,brought and delivered at the Brigade Headquarters  at Jomsom. Next day, the entire army moved and completed the cordon and search operations in  Chhusang and Samar camps *5* and then continued the search at Ghiling and Dhami and the unbesieged Khampa leader Gey Wangdi escaped.. Then the Brigade was reported of the matter and requested for further order. At this the Brigadier issued an order of "Not to kill and not to shut". The weapons and bullets of his camp were taken under the Army’s control. On the very 17th of Shrawn at 9pm., the order was re-issued as “not to let go of Gey Wangdi”. But the leader Gey Wangdi, being successful in fleeing prior to the cordon and search operation, further problem was created. While searching the Khampas from Shrawn 16 to Bhadra 29, 2031(31st July to 14th  Sept 1974), the Nepalese Army captured the following weapons and materials:- 
 Rifles-543 Pcs, Brengun- 75 Pcs,  Sten gun-35 Pcs,  Pistol-16  Pcs,e. 60mm Mortar- 8 Pcs, 57mm RCL-7 Pcs,  60mm Bombs -385 pcs, 55mm Bombs- 320pcs
, Wireless set -5 sets and  All kinds of Bullets -2, 02, 349 rounds.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
*5* Based on the talks held with Captain Balananda Sharma (later Lt. General) who participated as a team commander in the cordon and search operation. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                             33.  Khampa Leader Gey Wangdi Absconding  
 Realizing that  it is not proper now to stay any more
 at Kesang Camp,Khampa leader Gey Wangdi, taking  with him weapons and lakhs of rupees and accompanied by a group of 50/60 confidants, set off on his way with a plan to enter India via Chharkabhot, Phindupas, Sefoksundo, Nishan, Mugu, Namchapas, Simikot, Yari, Tinkerlipu of  the western side. Thus the report of the sudden missing of Gey Wangdi was dispatched to Nepalese Army Headquarters and promptly the helicopter of the Nepalese Army initiated an intensive search in  that area . But nothing could be traced. After a few days, the Army received the message from the local administration that the team of Gey Wangdi was planning to loot the police post at Mugu and also trying to use the refugees of that area in his force.Then it was easier to guess the possible route of the escape of the Khampas.

34. Death of Gey Wangdi at the Royal Nepalese Army’s Ambush

Nepalese Army officer issued order to the then Brigadier General Mr.Aditya Shamsher JBR( Major General later ) of the  No. 4 Brigade located at Nepalgunj to set up an  ambush in the bordering routes and also passes to the territories of India. Accordingly, Brigadier Aditya Rana ordered the First Rifle Battalion and the  Aridaman Company located at Dhangadhi to set up  ambush in all the western borders. Both the Battalion and Company set out for the ambush operation. Consequently, the forces of Gey Wangdi came across Aridaman Company, who set up an ambush at Tinkarlipu on 30th Bhadra(Sept 15, 1974). Then firing started  from both sides. Khampa leader Gey Wangdi, along with some other Khampas,    horses and mules were killed at the ambush under the leadership of Jamdar Dan Bahadur Chand of Aridaman Company. Jamdar (WO-2) Dan Bahadur Chand  who killed Gey Wangdi was awarded the medal of Nepal Tara, one promotion and some cash prizes too.  At the news of the death of the Khampa leader Gey Wangdi, peoples' joy knew no bounds and various local administrations, people and Village Panchayats’s extended hearty thanks to the Nepalese Army officers and personnels in addition to recognizing their bravery in disarming the Khampas  so instantly..

Ultimately, it was an appreciable job for  the enhancement of the Nepal-China diplomatic relation. According to the late Major General Chhetra Bikram Rana, the then American Embassy, Kathmandu had provided the weaponery and  financial assistance to Khampas to conduct terrorist activities against the Chinese Army in Tibet. An airport was established behind the Swoyambhu Nath temple, Kathmandu and small aircraft used to launch to Kaisang, Mustang  area to drop arms ammunition, ration an other logistic supply by the US Embassy Nepal. In reality too, all the seized weapons, ammunition, equipments were American, which is still stored in Nepalese Army’s barrack. Some of them can be found at Military Museum, Chhauni, Kathmandu.
35. Details of the Khampas who committed suicide.
a, Two persons committed suicide at Kagbeni.
b, One person committed suicide at Kesang Camp. 

36. Details  of the Royal Nepalese personnel who lost their lives. 
a. Two soldiers died of high altitude sickness. 
b. One technician Amaldar stumbled and fell down dead. 

37. After disarming the Khampas, an “Exercise Camp” was established at Kesang area of Mustang at the initiative of Nepalese Army. Major Mr. Gyanu Babu(laterColonel) was the commander of the camp. Major Mr. Adhikari, who took the assignment as “A” Company Commander of the Shreenath Battalion had made an untiring effort in that operation. After the success of the disarming operation, His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev visited Kesang and a cabinet meeting of all the ministers was also held in that area. *6*  Nepalese Army High Altitude Branch stands  at that spot now  as per the command  given after the inspection of the camp area by His Majesty the  king to open a school for imparting the High Altitude Training to the Army at Kesang. Thus the Khampa Disarmament operation came to an end. 
                                                                                                                                                                                             
*6* Based on the talk held with Colonel Shree Gyani Babu Adhikari. He said that the cooperation extended in various works coming upon the army by Dr. Chitra Lal Bhattachan and Mrs. Durgesh Bhattachan residing at Mustang Headquarters   was highly appreciable and incomparable and that , since the information given by them provided lots of support in the military operation, they would  ever be remembered.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
38. Military operations in Bajhang.
*7* Background:
After the dissolution of the multi-party system in 2017(1961) by His Majesty Late King Mahendra, the political parties dissatisfied with that royal step, started rebellions in different places of the country Nepalese youths along with the foreign mercenaries carried out armed revolt with arms and ammunitions at various  places including Bharatpur of Chitwan, Gulmi, Ilam, Chyangthapu, Phidim and Bajhang among those places. Of those places, a political decision was made to operate an intense armed revolt strictly in Bajhang. Reasons behind the operation of the revolt in Bajhang taken as the main basis were as follows:-.

(a)	The boarder of the then Bajhang was adjoined to India and that the king of Bajhang named Ramjung Bahadur singh mostly used to remain in contract with the Indians and his residence itself was at Pithauragadh( close to Indo-Nepal boarder). Thus he was influenced by the Indian environment as well and was more impressed by Indiant current of thoughts rather than by that of Nepal Government because he never liked to be under the rule of then king Mahendra. 

b) Since the residents of Bajhang used to regard King Ramjung Bahadur Singh of Bajhang as a divine being and since they were ready even to sacrifice their lives for the cause of the king, the political objectives  seemed to get fulfilled through
 the people’s cooperation if the king of Bajhang supported the upcoming revolt in Bajhang.
c) At that time, India was also silently opposing the steps taken by late King Mahendra and was inciting the king of Bajhang by secretly extending cooperation to him to take steps against the Government of Nepal. 
d)	King Ramjung of Bajhang personally took to incitement by drawing inspirations from others' feeling and thoughts but he was also a man of firm nature who would end up doing if he said he would . While he was residing at Pithauragadh in India, Nepalese political groups and some Indian personalities also had aroused anti- Nepal feelings in his mind.
e)	Pithauragadh-Bajhang area was extremely useful for recruiting mercenaries, imparting training and supplying arms and ammunitions and providing other necessary cooperations for rebellion.
                                                                                                                                                                                        *7*As per the talk with A.P. Brigadier General Mr.Keshar Bahadur Gadtaula.
                                                                                                                                                                                             
39. Om Jung Bahadur Singh, son of King Ram Jung Bahadur Singh of Bajhang was a youth who studied at Trichandra College,and a person of high spirit. He was not willing to fight against Nepalese troops and tried to convince his father, but he failed. Ram Jung himself had decided to raise arms and fight against the Nepalese Government. Ram Jung was too old and his son, on his father’s extreme insistence, led the revolt in place of his father by mobilizing Bajhang’s public support along with the armed mercenaries from Pithouragadh India. Meanwhile Ram Jung, while staying in Pithouragadh with some exiled political workers of Nepal and a few Indians, continued mobilizing necessary support for the rebels.

40. Rebel Suppression Activities *8*

 Because of   the introduction of the Panchayat system and implementation of the Princely States Abolition Act, various protest programs were launched in Bajhang against the Government of Nepal. This protest program was led by Om Jung Bahadur Singh. Gradually gaining momentum, the protest reached  climax with the raising of arms against the security forces resulting in the conventional encounter.As per His Majesty’s Government decision, in Bhadra 2019 (August 1962), the Nepalese Army Headquarters mobilized the Shree Nath Battalion to take necessary actions to suppress the rebels.  Then the headquarters of that battalion was in Nepalgunj along with its A company in Dhangadi, B company one in Humla, third C Company in Doti and the D Company in  Baitadi. The then commander of the Shreenath battalion was Lieutenant Colonel Birendra PrasadShah (later Brigadier General). 

41. As per the order of the Army Headquarters, the C company stationed at Doti and the D Company  stationed at Baitadi, were told by the  Battalion Headquarters to make a move for the task . The then Lieutenant Keshav Bahadur Gadtaula (later Brigadier General) worked as the Company Commander of the D company. Immediately afterwards, the C company stationed at Doti under the leadership of Captain Rohit Bikram Rana also made a move as ordered. Thus, the two companies met at a place called Tharala in Bajhang even under an unfavorable weather condition in Bhadra, 2019(August 1962). As per the consultation between the company commanders, the company broke into small groups and moved ahead for action.
                                                                                                                                                                                         
*8* This report has been taken from the record of  the Shreenath Battalion,and from Retired Brigadier General Keshar Bahadur Gadtaula and Mr. Sher Bahadur Basnyat. Jamadar of the Shreenath Battalion in the year 2042 (1985). Brigadier General Mr.Keshar Bahadur Gadtaula had participated in this operation as Lieutenant. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                
42. Accordingly, the D company was divided in two groups. One group under the command of Hudda Khadga Bahadur Katuwal remained at  Khare Khola and  the other group, while advancing  towards the rebel forces, had  two hours' encounter when  on the way the rebels started firing at the security personnel from the Mahabharat hills situated at a very highly inaccessible high  altitude. Though the sudden and deadly attack of the rebels affected the morale  of the security personnel,  the army,nevertheless, defeated them totally with an alertness and patience. Not even a slight loss was incurred to the security personnel. In turn, two rebels died in the encounter. The army siezed four rifles, and three loaded guns from them. 

43. After this encounter, the army moved ahead to achieve their objectives. On the other hand, the rebels getting themselves more organized and strengthened with 303 rifles were found staying in the Tholara jungle with a view to smashing the army by setting up an ambush. Later, when they attempted to escape fearing the security personnel, the army  beseiged them carefully in due time when they(the army) knew about this  through its intelligence and a sweep was launched by advancing the  first team at the right, the second at the left and the third from the  flank . At this juncture, the rebels fled in disorder leaving their arms and ammunition. Two rebels were captured along with a lot of arms. The two rebels captured during the encounter were brought to the company headquarters. The company commander asked them cross-questions and took their statements,by which it came to be known  that a total of fifty-five combatants comprising the two and their colleagues  had come from India.They had all been imported by Om Jung at a payment of Rs. 500 I.C. per person for the encounter.  The Indian mercenaries had crossed a long river like the Mahakali and reached Bajhang by using twines although there was no bridge over it.

44. The rebel leader (as per the then Government) Om Jung was the most wanted person in the army and the army was looking for him in earnest. That area was a high mountain covered with snow, the path was inaccessible due to snow and Om Jung,finding no way to  escape through,was proceeding back to Raskot when the army spotted  him . It was 5:30 in the morning.While pursuing them, the army found Om Jung and one other person hiding in the stone cleft. At this critical moment Om Jung attempted to raise arms  but sepoy Bhim Bahadur of Rifle No. 3 under Amaldar Harka Bahadur, Commander of No.1 unit of the D Company ,carefully aimed at Om Jung and shot him dead. Then the rebel group,unable to face the crisis,  fled away in disorder. 

45. Following the army’s intelligence that the rebels had fled to the lower cave of the same area, the army also stayed at the same place. In the mean time, the army was busy treating the wounded army rebels and non-army  persons by opening hospitals. That was the auspicious day of Mahaastami of 1962 the greatest festival of Nepal. Until then all the rebels had fled and the situation was under control and both the companies returned to their duty station. In this connection, upon the return of the Baitadi based D company, the Zonal Commissioner and the locals,   undertaking one day's  walk on foot , came in a  procession  to receive and greet them with garlands of flowers. The Zonal praised the valour of the Army. Company commander Lieutenant Keshar Gadtaula (later Bridgadier General) submitted a report to the army headquarters in Kathmandu and a helicopter was sent to fetch Kesher Gadtaula and the captured arms and ammunitions to Kathmandu. On the other hand, the three rebels, as ordered, were kept in the Army custody to initiate Government action against them. 

46. In this way the D company returned to Dhangadi on completion of the assigned task. Upon the successful operation of suppressing the rebels, the brigade commander and the Commander-in-Chief went to Dhangadi, appreciating the praise worthy achievements in the  services  to the Nation. The following personnel working with the D Company of Shreenath Battalion were awarded medals, cash prizes and promotions:- 
a.) Lieutenant Shree Keshar Bahadur Gadtaula Promoted tothe rank of Captain along with the award of the medal “Nepal Taara” 4th class.
b.) Jamadar Tilak Bahadur Karki -“Nepal Tara” 5th class 
c) Subedar Ganesh Bahadur -"Nepal Tara" 5th class
d.) Quarter master Seargent Sher Bahadur was promoted to the rank of Jamdar
e) Sepoy Bhim Bahadur (who killed Omjung) was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal along with a cash award of Rs. 250
f.)Corporal  Harka Bahadur -Rs. 200 cash award
g.) Sepoy Nir Bahadur -Rs. 150 cash award
h.) Lance Corporal Bir Bahadur was Promoted to the rank of Corporal
i.) Sepoy Ram Sharan Thapa -Rs. 200 cash award
j.) Lance Corporal Tilak Bahadur was promoted to the rank of Corporal
k.) Sepoy Krishna Bahadur -Rs. 200 cash award
l.) Corporal Sher Bahadur was promoted to the rank of Seargent
m.) Sepoy Lalit Bahadur -Rs. 200 cash award.
 
Military Operation in Bhusaha *9*

47. In 1971 racial and communal rights between the Muslim and the Hindu communities frequently created national problems with a great loss of property and people in the border of Bara and Parsa. Nepal being the then  a Hindu state, cow slaughtering is strictly prohibited in this country. However, the Muslims were reported to have slaughtered cows secretly. This fact was known to the local Hindus. They were in search of a concerte proof. In this context, one day a Hindu Local Panchayat Chief lost his calf and he was in search of the calf. There was a news that a Muslim was killing his calf in one of the Bhusaha houses. Knowing this fact, the son of the Panchayat Chief went there immediately and saw his own calf slaughtered. At this, the son of the Pradhan Pancha scolded the Muslim. In response, the Muslim slayed the son of the Pradhan Pancha, piercing his body with a spear out of anger. This was like a bolt from the blue to the Hindus, it took the name of Bhusaha scandal and the situation was quite tense. 
                                                                                                                                                                                           
*9* This account has been prepared on the basis of the records of the Shree Nath Battalion ,and the talk with the then Colonel (later Chief of Army staff )Arjun Narshingh Rana and the Company Commander of the Shree Nath Batallion,Major Mr. Makar Bahadur Karki ( later Colonel ) who had participated in the above task at the time when he was  Major.
                                                                                                                                                                                        .
48.The news of the  cow slaughter and homicide  spread all over Bara and Parsa. The Hindus realized that the only way to revenge themselves was to destroy the Muslims. The Muslims were in minority ,compared to the Hindus in that area. The immediate cause of this riot was  the  Muslims, who even though in minority, attempted to contravene  Hinduism by slaughtering  cows and killing  the Hindus. Under such a situation, throughout the whole Bhusaha area the Hindus set fire on the Muslim houses, beat these people and  abused  their women and a situation of loot, murder and terror was created. Now the Muslims, having lost their hope of life, ran away from their homes, and went to knock at the door of the Zonal Commissioner to take shelter even during the  night time. Realizing the pitiable condition of the people suffering from starvation, thirst and fear, the Zonal Commissioner arranged food for them. Though logistics and policemen were deployed to ensure security and check terror, unrest and looting became rampant on the contrary and seeing that   the situation was not under control, the Zonal Commissioner, at his wits end, demanded the help of the Royal Nepal Army.

49. The then Battalion Commander of the Shreenath Battalion stationed at Suparitar Makwanpur District was Lt. Colonel Samundra Bahadur Thapa.  The A company was in Bharatpur, Chitwan,  and the B Company  was in Birgunj under the command of Major Makar Bahadur Karki. Owing to the riots in the neighboring areas, the B Company Commander was continuously sending riot- related information to the battalion Headquater. Afterwards,the Nepalese Army, at the request of the administration, directed the Shreenath Battalion to pacify communal violence and make other necessary arrangements to control the situation. As directed, the battalion moved to Kalaiya from Suparetar. One each company from Kali Bahadur Battalion and Sher Battalion deputed to provide security at Suparitar barrack. In course of military operation, Battalion Headquarters was set up at Kalaiya. Then the total security task handled by the police was assigned to the Nepalese Army. 

50. The then Colonel Mr. Arjun Narsingh Rana( later Chief of Army Staff) and along with Lt. Colonel Samundra Bahadur Thapa, the Battalion Commander and   Chief of the Operation Second in Command were involved in the Bhusaha communal riots. Prior to the departure of the battalion in the riot-torn area,  Major Makar Bahadur Karki( later  Colonel),the  B Company Commander , was assigned to undertake patrolling and activization of the army and to  take necessary action against  the rioters, and  he was carrying out the job. Now as per the Main  Commander Colonel Arjun Narsingh Rana’s order, the battalion was deputed to different areas, and the posts were set up for shift. The army moved to every nook and corner of the village and captured both the Hindu and Muslim terrorists and handed them over to the Zonal Commissioner. The army stopped communal atrocities in the affected areas and continued undertaking a twenty four hour patrolling of the area and creating psychological fear in the terrorists. In this way,a  three months' stay of the Army in the area virtually ended the communal riots between  the Hindus and the Muslims. . 

51. After 3 months' incessant effort, peace was restored in the riot-affected area and His Majesty the then King Mahendra visited and inspected each and every riot-affected area and army posts. His majesty expressed sympathy over the untoward incident and provided compensation to all the inhabitants. Later, as per the Nepalese Army Headquarters’ order, the Shreenath Battalion moved to Suparitar as arranged previously.

                                                                     THE END