Indian Army observes 62nd Walong Day amidst immense patriotic fervour
T
he month-long commemoration of the historic Battle of Walong reached its culmination on Thursday with wreaths being laid at the Walong War Memorial to honour the supreme sacrifice by Indian troops in the Sino-Indian War of 1962. A renovated War Memorial at Lama Spur was also inaugurated and thrown open to the public.
Walong Day is observed by the Indian Army on November 14 every year to honor the bravery displayed by a small group of Indian soldiers during the 27-day-long Battle of Walong against the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). Despite being vastly outnumbered and ill-equipped, around 800 Indian troops from the Kumaon, Sikh, Dogra Regiments, and Gorkha Rifles faced approximately 4,000 PLA soldiers. The Indian soldiers fought valiantly with outdated weapons and inadequate supplies, holding their ground from elevations of 3,000 to 14,000 feet. Even when they ran out of ammunition, they attempted courageous bayonet charges.
The observance of Walong Day saw participation from serving military personnel, veterans, government officials, and the Next of Kin (NoK) of those who sacrificed their lives. Lt Gen K T Patnaik (Retd), the governor of Arunachal Pradesh, and Lt Gen A S Pendharkar, the general officer commanding of the Spear Corps, laid wreaths at the War Memorial and engaged with veterans and NoK. The commemoration included heartfelt performances by a symphony band and a captivating Light & Sound Show, which celebrated the heroism of the soldiers and stirred patriotic feelings among attendees.
Additionally, the month-long commemoration featured various activities such as a cycling expedition from Namsai to Namti, white-water rafting in the Lohit River, battlefield treks to significant locations in the Walong Sector, and a motorcycle expedition from Mipi to Meshai. Medical camps were also organized for locals in Walong, Kibithu, and Anini. These events highlighted the Indian Army's dedication to promoting development in frontier villages and enhancing border tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.
✔️ Indian Army observes 62nd Walong Day amidst immense patriotic fervour
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