Baba Harbhajan: The Ghost Soldier

An Indian soldier who died at the Nathula Pass in eastern Sikkim is revered as the saviour of all army personnel stationed in the area. Baba Harbhajan Singh is known as the "Hero of Nathula" for assisting army soldiers in this hazardous high-altitude Himalayan region. The shocking part is that he is not alive. Then how can he assist soldiers?

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Harbhajan Singh was a soldier in the Indian Army born in Punjab in 1941. He joined the Indian Army as a Sepoy in 1956 and was posted to the 14 Rajput Regiment. He was killed in an unforeseen accident while stationed at the Nathu-La pass. While leading a herd of mules that carry the ammunition, he slipped into the glacier and was stuck in the snow which led to his unexpected death.

The official statement of the Indian Army states that he was martyred in the battle between the Indian Army and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at 14,500 feet Nathu-La pass. On January 26, 1969, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra in recognition of his sacrifice.

Even though his body was recovered three days later and cremated with full national honours, the inhabitants of Nathu-La Pass are still reluctant to comprehend that he is no longer alive! He is thought to wake up soldiers on duty at this location and provide them alarm signals about impending enemy attacks!

According to the legend, when he drowned in the glacier, it was hard for the search team to find his body. But it is believed he helped his team to find his own dead body. Even after this, many of the company men claimed Harbhajan Singh to come in their dreams and talk to them about any upcoming attacks.

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Later, in the dream of one of his colleagues, he was instructed to build a shrine in his memory. It is believed that during the India-China war, the soldiers claimed to witness the presence of Baba Harbhajan Singh who instructed them, three days in advance of the actual war. Some believed even say that one of the army officials who skipped to maintain the clean and disciplined behaviour was slapped by the ghost of Baba Harbhajan Singh. It is believed that his shoes and dress gets clean magically.

Baba Harbhajan Singh is still alive, according to the professional Indian Army, and he received regular promotions up to the time he resigned with the rank of Honorary Captain.

Until his retirement, he would board a train bound for his hometown on September 11th, escorted by other soldiers, and arrive under the impression that he was going on vacation. Even the Chinese soldiers showed their appreciation for Baba Harbhajan Singh during the flag meeting! The locals look up to him as a Holy Saint, and the Indian army calls him "Baba."