Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen. (retd) J.J. Singh on Saturday said the 1962 war between India and China reminded the nation of the exemplary bravery of the Indian Army and the ultimate sacrifice of the heroic combatants, who, in spite of heavy odds, fought to the last bullet and the last man.
“This speaks volumes of the gallantry displayed by each man of our armed forces and also reminds us of the exceptional patriotism of the civil administration and the people of Arunachal Pradesh who provided able support at each step,” said Gen. Singhin a message issued by the Raj Bhawan on the 50th anniversary of the India-China war.
“Today, as we complete 50 years since the India-China war was fought, I join every Arunachali and all Indians in paying homage to the valiant sons and daughters of our nation who laid down their lives while defending the motherland during October and November 1962. I also pay rich tributes to all the brave soldiers of Indian Army, our Air Force and the NEFA administrators who stood firm in the defence of our nation in extremely tough and challenging conditions,” Gen. Singh said in his message.
Proud Indians
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki also paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the war. Mr. Tuki reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh was an integral part of India and its citizens were very proud Indians, said an official release.
Keywords: heroic combatants, Indian Army, 1962 Indo-China war,
Hollow words by the Government / it's men, considering the way the discussion on the Pardon to Parliament attackers who killed our Para Military forces. Hollow, considering the fact that many wars - like the one with China, the so-called IPKF ops in Lanka, were a direct result of blunders at the political level. It is like Robert McNamara feeling sorry about Vietnam war.
Unfortunately the saga of sacrifice of the Indian soldier in 1962 war
is hardly known or familiar with the Indian youth of today.
Remembering these heroes who have laid down their lives, ever since
Independence, to protect the motherland should not be confined to
certain important occasions and days. S I remember during early 60s,
the names of NEFA and Ladakh were on the lips of even small school
boys, in the remotest villages of India. Sadly many of today's
college-educated youth, haven't even heard of places like Walong and
Tawang.
Some of these soul-stirring, inspiring tales of our soldiers must find
a place in the school and college text-books. That would go a long way
to promote better understanding in the people of the mainland, about
the people living in Northeast and in the Himalayan valleys.
War is not fought with pouch ammunition and haversack ration. But, that is what our army jawans were forced to do in 1962. When the Chinese had weapons, ammunition, logistics, numerical superiority and tactical support, our ill-fed and ill-equipped soldiers had nothing but bravery to stand and fight and perish as martyrs.
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