GUWAHATI, Oct 04: The Indian Army is all set to commemorate 62nd Walong Day with a series of events to pay homage to indomitable courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought valiantly during the Battle of Walong in 1962 Sino-Indian War.

The celebrations would begin on October 17 with an opening ceremony and wreath-laying at Walong War Memorial to remember the brave hearts who laid down their lives defending our motherland.

The planned month-long celebrations are designed to both commemorate the past and to engage the local community and promote nation building. The events include battlefield treks, car rally, medical and veterinary camps, adventure treks, cycle and motorcycle expedition and half marathon to culminate at Walong.

The Indian Army’s involvement in Battle of Walong stands as a testament to the sheer bravery, dedication and an unwavering spirit of its soldiers. Facing severe logistical challenges in harsh terrains of Arunachal Pradesh, the soldiers of the 6 Kumaon, 4 SIKH, 2/8 Gorkha Rifles, 3/3 Gorkha Rifles and 4 DOGRA fought with unparalleled gallantry, forcing the enemy pay dearly for every inch of land. Their courage, even in the face of overwhelming odds, remains etched in the annals of Indian military history. These events would also foster a spirit of unity, resilience and patriotism.  (Defence PRO)

AONS adds: Indian forces, despite being outnumbered and under equipped, resisted the Chinese advance for nearly a month in the epic Battle of Walong.

The Sino-Indian War was the result of long-standing border disputes between India and China. In particular, the Chinese Govt refused to recognize the McMahon Line, boundary between British India and Tibet agreed in 1914 as per Simla Agreement. The area of Walong, lying close to the disputed border, became a key battleground in the northeastern sector. By October 1962, Chinese forces had already begun advancing into Indian-held territory and Indian Army was tasked with defending key positions along the border. At Walong, the responsibility for defense fell to the Indian 11th Infantry Brigade led by Brigadier N C Rawlley.

The battle began on 21.10.62 when Chinese forces launched their first attack on Indian positions. Indian defenders, consisting primarily of troops of 4th Sikh Regiment, 6th Kumaon Regiment and 4 DOGRA, had prepared defensive positions along the ridges and valleys around Walong. Despite being outnumbered, the Indian forces put up a determined defense, engaging the Chinese in fierce combat for nearly four weeks. Using the difficult terrain to their advantage, Indian troops created bottlenecks and ambushes to slow the advancing Chinese forces.

By 16.11.62, after suffering heavy casualties and running low on supplies, Indian forces were ordered to withdraw. The Chinese forces took control of Walong, but their advance had been significantly delayed by the Indian resistance. Thus, the Battle of Walong is remembered for the bravery of Indian soldiers who fought against overwhelming odds.

In just 36 hours of intense fighting at Tri Junction and at Firm Base, 4 DOGRA had sacrificed hundreds of brave soldiers while defending honour and sanctity of what is now Arunachal Pradesh’s sacred territory and inflicted far more casualties on Chinese attackers. Brigadier Rawlley had acknowledged that the gritty fighting and sacrifices of Bravo and Delta companies of 4 DOGRA on 16.11.62r had halted the Chinese offensive in its tracks and allowed 11 Mountain Brigade to consolidate.

The delaying action at Walong gave Indian Army time to regroup further south, preventing a deeper Chinese advance into Indian Territory. The War ended shortly after the Battle of Walong, with China declaring a unilateral ceasefire on 21.11.62. In 2012, a memorial was built at Walong to commemorate 50th anniversary of the battle.

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