Naik Mahabir Thapa, MVC, was born on 3 December 1923 in Baralekh village, Dailekh district, Nepal. He was enrolled in the 3rd Battalion, 1st Gorkha Rifles on 3 December 1942.
In 1961, India contributed a brigade to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Congo. During the operation, Indian troops were involved in efforts to relieve the besieged company at Jadotville. The relief column encountered strong resistance near the Lufira Bridge and was forced to withdraw.
On 16 September 1961, Naik Mahabir Thapa was serving as the section commander of the rear-guard platoon of the withdrawing relief force. His section was tasked with preventing hostile forces from closing in on the retreating troops. Although already wounded, he deployed his men and fought fiercely while attempting to outflank the enemy ambush. After being seriously wounded by machine-gun fire, he continued to lead his section and engage the enemy.
Thapa remained behind until the rest of the withdrawing force had safely crossed the ambushed area. He was the last man to leave the position and subsequently succumbed to his injuries. For his exceptional courage, leadership and devotion to duty, Naik Mahabir Thapa was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.