Indian Army Commemorates 60 Years Of Battle of Walong In Arunachal Pradesh

Guwahati: The month-long Diamond Jubilee celebration commemorating the Battle of Walong, which showed the Army’s valour and sacrifice in defying Chinese invasion in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh culminated on Wednesday at Walong.

The celebration began on October 17, 2022, according to an announcement from the PRO(D) Tezpur. At Walong, it was formally opened by Lt Gen RC Tiwari, AVSM, SM, GOC, Spear Corps. The GOC honoured townspeople and soldiers who had contributed to the war effort while conducting the inauguration ceremony, paying respects at the War Memorial. During the occasion local residents also displayed equipment and performed in cultural programmes.

“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,” the statement said.

“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,” it added.

Lt Gen RP Kalita, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, GOC-in-C and Eastern Command attended the ending ceremony. The Army Commander remembered the battle’s heroes by laying a wreath at the Walong War Memorial.

Veterans of the war, their NOKs and residents who contributed to the military effort were honoured during the ceremony. During the solemn ceremony, representatives of the units that took part in the Battle of Walong were also present and honoured. The Army Commander flagged in a number of adventure treks, bike rallies, and motorcycle expeditions, according to the statement.

“Furthermore, to immortalise the saga of valour and sacrifice of our Bravehearts, the lore of Battle of Walong is being showcased in premium military establishments and many civilian institutes in the country,” it added.

The local population’s enthusiastic involvement, support and response to the event is evidence of their unwavering faith in the Indian Armed Forces.

The Indian Army forced the advancing PLA soldiers to bypass its reserve division from Tawang Sector to Walong during the 1962 Sino-Indian War by stopping them for 27 days, the statement said.

“Outnumbered by the enemy, with little ammunition and no resources, our valiant soldiers fought till the last man, last round,” it added. 

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