The first statue of Galwan Valley hero, the late Colonel Santosh Babu, was unveiled at Kodad town in Suryapet district on Thursday in recognition of his supreme sacrifice.
Nalgonda MP and former Indian Air Force (IAF) officer N. Uttam Kumar Reddy unveiled the statue in the presence of Santosh Babu’s parents Bikkumalla Upender and Manjula and said he, as a soldier himself, understands the supreme sacrifice made by the late soldier. Mr. Reddy, who was a fighter pilot, also recalled the discipline, dedication and values inculcated at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakvasla.
Col. Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar regiment, was one of the 20 Indian troops who fell in the fierce hand-to-hand battle with Chinese soldiers on June 15, 2020, in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley. He was posthumously conferred the prestigious Mahavir Chakra for displaying exceptional courage and leadership to safeguard India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Saluting Santosh Babu’s parents, Mr. Reddy said the sacrifices made by the late colonel and the 20 jawans would forever be etched in the hearts of all Indians. Their heroic actions in defending the nation’s borders against aggression will be remembered with utmost respect and gratitude, he said.
The Congress MP, through the Parliamentary Defence Committee, proposed the establishment of a Military Museum in Suryapet, which should be named after Colonel Santosh Babu. The museum should serve as a repository of their inspiring life stories and showcase the valour and sacrifices of all Param Veer Chakra and Mahavir Chakra awardees. He said all schools and college students should be encouraged to visit the museum to instil a deep sense of patriotism and foster a strong sense of national pride and appreciation for the sacrifices made by the armed forces.
Mr. Reddy also addressed the ongoing border tensions with China, raising concerns over the continued intrusion into Indian territory. He alleged that China has occupied approximately 1500 sq km of land, a blatant violation of international norms and the principles of peaceful coexistence.
Despite 27 meetings of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) over the past four years, the impasse at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains unresolved. The most recent meeting was held on May 31, underscoring the need for steadfastness in dealing with China’s territorial ambitions, he said.
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