Tsewang Rigzin
Chushul, Ladakh, June 17: In a moving ceremony at the Rezang La War Memorial, Narpat Singh Bhati, son of the late Major Shaitan Singh, Param Vir Chakra, visited the historic site along with his wife, grand daughters, and grandson.
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The Indian Army organised the visit to honour the courage and sacrifice of Major Shaitan Singh and the soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 KUMAON, who fought bravely in the Battle of Rezang La in 1962.
Bhati and his family paid their respects by laying wreaths at the memorial, which stands in memory of the 114 soldiers who laid down their lives in one of the toughest high-altitude battles in Indian history.
As part of the event, Bhati also inaugurated two newly developed facilities at the memorial: the ‘Know Your Army’ Corner-an interactive space to help visitors, especially young people, learn about the Army’s structure and its role in national security-and a renovated Audio Visual Hall, now equipped with modern technology to present the story of the Battle of Rezang La in a more engaging way.
Senior Army officers welcomed Bhati, whose visit served as a powerful reminder of the legacy of courage and commitment shown by Indian soldiers over the decades.
The ceremony was attended by Army personnel, residents from Tsaga village and school children who came together to honour the fallen heroes.
Talking to media, Bhati remembered how he was called back home from school for the last rites of his father as the mortal remains arrived “It is an honour to be here where my father and his comrades fought with such bravery. I’m grateful to the Indian Army for preserving this legacy and keeping their story alive for future generations,” he added.
The Indian Army reiterated its commitment to honouring its brave soldiers and spreading awareness about their sacrifices.
Many locals at the event shared how their families supported the Army during the 1962 war. Elderly residents recalled helping transport rations and ammunition to the battle site atop Rezang La, using horses and yaks.
Tsering Tundup, 79, from Tsaga village, said, “After the war, we also helped bring down the mortal remains of the soldiers on the backs of animals to the present site of the memorial, where all were cremated except Major Shaitan Singh.”
It is learned that Major Shaitan Singh’s body was recovered in February 1963 and was sent to Jodhpur, Rajasthan, for the last rites.
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