Chewang Rinchen
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Colonel Chewang Rinchen belonged to a celebrated Warrior family of Sumur in Nubra Valley. One of his forefathers in eighteenth century had distinguished himself against raiders from Turkistan. STAKRE (in Ladakhi ‘Lion) title was conferred on him by King of Ladakh for this bravery. The personality of Col. Rinchen was true to the literal meaning of his name. In Ladakhi Chewang means hero and Rinchen full of life. For her compassion, Col Rinchen’s mother is known as the mother of Nubra valley.
It was a touch and go situation in 1947 in Ladakh. The efforts of legendary heroes-Brig. Sher Jung Thapa, Col. Prithvi Chand and Col Chewang Rinchen made possible what looked impossible. Defence of Ladakh looked difficult because the only route i.e. Zojila was closed. Col. C. Rinchen, then a young boy of seventeen held the fort in Nubra and was instrumental in the defence of Leh.
In 1971 he captured for India the strategic Turtuk-which is the tough underbelly of Siachen Col. Rinchen went on to win for his extraordinary valour double Mahavirchakra, the highest gallantry award besides a Sena medal. From a guerrilla warrior in 1947, Col Rinchen retired as a full Colonel in 1984. His younger brother, P Namgyal who also participated in 1948 campaign represented Ladakh Parliamentary seat many times and also served in the central cabinet.
