Indian Army commemorates Battle of Walong
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 16 2022:
Indian Army celebrated Diamond Jubilee of the Battle of Walong, an effulgent example of unique bravery, guts and sacrifice by the Indian Army against the Chinese aggression in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
In a release, PRO (Defence) informed that 60 years ago during the 1962 Sino-India war; Indian Army gave a bloody nose to the Chinese in the Battle of Walong.
The brave-hearts of Indian Army halted the advancing PLA soldiers for 27 days which forced them to sidestep its reserve division from Tawang Sector to Walong.
Though outnumbered by the enemy, with little ammunition and no resources, our valiant soldiers fought till the last man, last round.
This saga of valour and sacrifice continues to serve as a tale of inspiration for the generations to come, the PRO said.
The month long Diamond Jubilee Celebration started on October 17, 2022 which was inaugurated by Spear Corps GOC Lt Gen RC Tiwari at Walong.
During the inaugural ceremony, the GOC paid homage at the War Me morial and honoured war veterans and locals who had assisted in the war effort.
Equipment display and cultural programmes by the local populace were also showcased during the inaugural event.
The celebrations were aligned to the events as they unfolded in 1962 and encompassed a large number of activities in Arunachal Pradesh and Upper Assam which included historical and adventure treks, cycle ralLy from Roing to Walong, Know Your Army and equipment displays, motivational lectures and painting competitions at educational institutes, commemorative tree plantation, clean and green Walong drive, Walong mela and movie festival, khel mahotsav, mini marathons and inauguration of a light and sound show at Walong.
In addition, a mega motorcycle expedition was undertaken from Tezpur to Walong which collected soil from major 1962 battlefields in Arunachal Pradesh and the same was instated at Walong War Memorial.
The Celebrations culminated at Walong on Wednesday with Eastern Command GOC-in-C Lt Geh RP Kalita, leading the gathering in laying wreath at the Walong War Memorial and paying homage to the heroes of the battle.
During the ceremony, war veterans, their NOKs and locals who assisted in the war effort were honoured along with representatives of units which participated in the Battle.
Various adventure treks, cycle rally and motorcycle expedition were flagged in by the Army Commander.
The audiences were enthralled with a gripping performance of Gatka and Kalaripayattu by our men in uniform.
Furthermore, to immortalise the saga of valour and sacrifice of our brave-hearts, the lore of the Battle of Walong was being showcased in premium military establishments and many civilian institutes in the country.
The event received profuse participation, response and support from the local populace which is a testimony of their indestructible hope and trust in the Indian Armed Forces, the PRO added.