CHANDIGARH(TIP): Brigadier Kuldip Singh Chandpuri (retd), who is known as the hero of the historic 1971 Battle of Longewala, died on Saturday, November 17,  in a private hospital in Mohali, his family said. He was 78.

Brig Chandpuri was suffering from cancer, his family said.

He is survived by his wife and three sons.

Kuldip Singh Chandpuri was a major in 23 Punjab when the Pakistan Army attacked the Longewala post in Rajasthan, India, early in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Chandpuri and his company of 120 soldiers defended the post, in spite of considerable odds, against the 2000-3000 strong assault force of the Pakistani 51st Infantry Brigade, backed by the 22nd Armored Regiment. Chandpuri and his company held the Pakistanis at bay for a full night until the Indian Air Force arrived to provide air support in the morning.

Chandpuri inspired his men, moving from bunker to bunker, encouraging them to beat back the enemy until reinforcements arrived. Chandpuri and his men inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and forced them to retreat, leaving behind twelve tanks. For his conspicuous gallantry and leadership, Chandpuri was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) by the government of India.

A Bollywood film on the Battle of Longewala, made in 1997, with Sunny Deol playing Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, has immortalized the real hero in celluloid.