Rajnath Singh's moving gesture at Rezang La; escorts 1962 Sino-Indian war hero to memorial [Photos]

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday paid homage to the gallant soldiers who fought the Battle of Rezang La and laid a wreath at the Memorial.

In his address, he said the courage and sacrifice of the Charlie Company will always inspire future generations, describing the Rezang La Memorial as an epitome of the passion, determination and fearless spirit of the bravehearts of the country.

He lauded the Indian soldiers, who continue to carry forward the valour and patriotism of the fallen heroes and protect the country fearlessly.

Giving 1962 Sino-Indian war veteran a VVIP honour, Singh personally escorted wheelchair-bound Brigadier (Retd) R.V. Jatar of 13 Kumaon Regiment to the memorial. This gesture won many hearts and accolades. It is also reported that Singh touched Brigadier's feet at the Memorial as a mark of respect to the veteran's bravery. 

"I am overwhelmed by the feeling of respect for him and I salute his courage. May God keep them healthy and live long," Singh said upon meeting Jatar. 

The 1962 Sino-Indian war was a saga of unparalleled bravery as Major Shaitan Singh and 113 soldiers had made the supreme sacrifice, fighting one of the world's rarest 'last man, last bullet' battles.

Major Shaitan Singh was bestowed with the nation's highest gallantry award, the Param Veer Chakra, posthumously.

Upholding India's sovereignty

While India never had any intention to occupy other country's land, the forces will give a befitting reply to anyone who threatens the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday.

"The brave soldiers of our army are capable of protecting every inch of India's land," Singh said while dedicating the Rezang La Memorial at Chushul in Ladakh to the nation.

Rezang La Memorial

The memorial was constructed in 1963 in the Chushul plains at an altitude of over 15,000 feet, right at the India-China border, to honour the troops of Charlie Company of 13 Kumaon Regiment, who on November 18, 1962, had defended Rezang La and the surrounding areas located at over 16,500 feet on the Kailash Ranges in Eastern Ladakh.

The decision to renovate the Memorial was taken by Singh when he had visited Leh in June 2021. In a major upgradation exercise, the renovation of the Memorial commenced in mid-July and the complex was ready within three months for inauguration on the 59th anniversary of the battle.

"The renovation of the memorial is not only a tribute to our valiant armed forces, but also a symbol of the fact that we are fully prepared to protect the integrity of the nation. This monument symbolises the government's stand of giving a befitting reply to anyone who threatens our sovereignty and integrity," said Singh.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to the welfare of the armed forces personnel and their families, he assured them of all possible support to fulfil their needs.

Singh appreciated the fact that the renovation of the memorial was carried out on the lines of a national-level memorial, without compromising the original structure and sentiments attached to it.

He said the renovated Memorial will attract people from within the country and abroad, bolster the feeling of nationalism and encourage tourism. He congratulated all those who worked tirelessly in harsh conditions for the renovation of the monument.

The entire project of Rezang La Memorial was spearheaded by the troops of Chushul Brigade, the very same formation under which the armed forces had defended the entire Ladakh sector in 1962.

The renovated complex includes a double-storied museum, a mini-theatre to screen a special documentary on the battle, a large helipad and various other tourist amenities.

The Rezang La Memorial, located very close to the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, is set to become a major tourist attraction in the coming years.