STATE TIMES NEWS
Leh: On the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Rezang La, Giridhar Aramane, Defence Secretary, Lieutenant General A Sengupta, General Officer Commanding Fire and Fury Corps, General Officer Commanding Uniform Force Maj Gen V Hariharan, and Naresh Shaukand, DIG (Operations), ITBP alongwith other distinguished guests of Fire & Fury Corps, paid their tributes to the 114 Bravehearts of the Chushul Brigade at the Rezang La Memorial on Friday.
A Special Cover was also released on the occasion by the Chief Guest.
The Battle of Rezang La is etched in the annals of military history as one of the greatest last stands of all times comparable only to a few other battles the world over. The Battle stands out for sheer valour, grit and dogged determination of C Company of 13 KUMAON that fought to the last man in 1962 war against China, defending Rezang La in Eastern Ladakh, under the leadership of Maj Shaitan Singh.
Battle of Rezang La, an epic battle of all times, has immense inspirational value for the entire nation. In November 1962, 13 KUMAON was deployed at Magar Hill and Rezang La in Chushul Sector, Eastern Ladakh, as part of 114 Infantry Brigade. The early hours of 18 November 1962 witnessed a fierce battle at Rezang La. Against all odds and grossly out-numbered, the valiant soldiers of ‘C’ Company, 13 KUMAON, repulsed seven attacks by the Chinese, launched in waves.
Despite heavy artillery shelling and fierce Chinese assaults, Maj Shaitan Singh and his 113 brave hearts delivered the heaviest blow to the Chinese.
The brave soldiers of 13 KUMAON were honoured with one Param Vir Chakra, Eight Veer Chakras, one Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, four Sena Medals and one Mention-in-Despatches. Emblazoned on Battalion’s colours, these names will forever remind the future generations of the brave men who laid down their lives fighting for our country on 18 November 1962.
