‘Soldiers capable to defend every inch of land’
*DM inaugurates revamped War Memorial at Rezang La
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Nov 18: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said today that it has been the policy of India that it has never eyed the territory of any other nation but has given befitting reply to those who tried to even look towards our country with evil’s eye.
Paying tributes to fallen heroes of Rezang La in Eastern Ladakh where Major Shaitan Singh and his company attained martyrdom on this day in 1962, Rajnath declared that our brave soldiers are capable to defend every inch of country’s land.
“It has been the character of India that we have never tried to take land of any other country. However, at the same time, if any country has seen at India with a bad eye, we have given befitting reply to them. Our brave troops are capable of defending every inch of the nation,” the Defence Minister said while paying tribute to Rezang La martyrs after inauguration revamped War Memorial in Eastern Ladakh.
He said the historic battle of Rezang La which was fought at the height of 18,000 feet in tough circumstances can’t be imagined even today. Major Shaitan Singh and his colleagues fought their last bullet and breath and wrote a new history of sacrifices, he added.
“The battle of Rezang La is considered one among 10 great and tough military battles in the world,” Rajnath pointed out.
He said a new War Memorial has been dedicated in the memory of soldiers who attained martyrdom at Rezang La, which is not only an example in the history but also beats in the heart of Indians.
Rajnath, who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen CP Mohanty and Northern Command chief Lt Gen YK Joshi among others, on his arrival at Rezang La this morning inaugurated a revamped War Memorial at the site of an epic battle at an altitude of 18,000 feet where over 114 Indian troops inflicted heavy casualties on the Chinese military 59 years ago displaying indomitable grit and bravery.
The battle of Rezang La is largely considered as the finest moment for the Indian Army in the India-China war six decades ago.
“I am saluting the Indian soldiers who made supreme sacrifices in the 1962 war after reaching Rezang La, located amidst the inaccessible hills of Ladakh,” Singh tweeted.
Defence Minister Singh also met Brig (Retd) R B Jatar who was part of the battle of Rezang La.
“I am overwhelmed by the feeling of respect for him and I salute his courage. May God keep them healthy and live long,” Singh said.
The revamped War Memorial has been thrown open at a time when India and China have been locked in a bitter border row in Eastern Ladakh for nearly one-and-half years.
The Indian Army had occupied a number of mountain peaks in Rezang La region in August last year following China’s aggressive posturing and failed attempt to intimidate Indian troops.
The Shaitan company inflicted so many losses on nearly 400 PLA troops that the Chinese took no prisoners of war at Rezang La on November 18, 1962. The Rezang La battle was fought in freezing temperatures way below zero. Temperatures in Chushul heights are known to touch minus 25 degrees Celsius and more.
According to the official history of the 1962 war, the Chinese attack began at 4 am on November 18 with the intention of blocking the road link between Leh and Chushul via Dungti so that the Garrison at Chushul was isolated and starved of supplies. The last Indian guns sounded at 10pm on November 18 with only 14 out of 112 ranks surviving to tell the tale.
Major Shaitan Singh and his Company first fought with three-inch mortars, then rifles, bayonets and bare hands without any artillery or air support against the marauding Chinese who attacked the post from two sides.
Rajnath paid homage to the gallant Indian soldiers who fought the Battle of Rezang La and laid wreath at the Memorial.
He said the courage and sacrifice of the Charlie Company will always inspire future generations, describing the Rezang La memorial as an epitome of the passion, determination and fearless spirit of the bravehearts of the country.
“The renovation of the memorial is not only a tribute to our valiant Armed Forces, but also a symbol of the fact that we are fully prepared to protect the integrity of the nation. This monument symbolises the Government’s stand of giving a befitting reply to anyone who threatens our sovereignty and integrity,” Rajnath said.
He also lauded the Indian soldiers, who continue to carry forward the valour & patriotism of the fallen heroes and protect the country fearlessly.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment of the welfare of the Armed Forces personnel and their families, he assured them of all possible support to fulfill their needs.
Rajnath appreciated that the renovation of the memorial was carried out on the lines of a national-level memorial without compromising with the original structure and sentiments attached to it. He said, the renovated memorial will attract people from within the country & abroad; bolster the feeling of nationalism and encourage tourism. He congratulated all those who worked tirelessly in harsh conditions for the renovation of the monument.
The renovated complex includes a double-storied museum, a mini-theatre to screen a special documentary on the battle, a large helipad and various other tourist amenities. The Rezang La Memorial, located very close to the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, is set to become a major tourist attraction in the coming years.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh RK Mathur and Member of Parliament from Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal and those associated with 13 KUMAON, including Brigadier RV Jatar (Retd) who had participated in the battle as a Captain; Major Shaitan Singh’s son Narpat Singh Bhati & the family of the then Commanding Officer of 13 KUMAON, Lt Col HS Dhingra and other veterans also attended the event and were felicitated.
The move to inaugurate the revamped war memorial in Rezang La is seen as India’s show of strength in the area which is very close to the Chinese territory and is visible from the other side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The Eastern Ladakh border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.
The tension escalated following a deadly clash in Galwan Valley on June 15 last year.
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