Indian Army celebrates Kepang La Day to honour 1962 war heroes

Itanagar, Nov 19: The Spear Corps of Indian Army celebrated the Kepang La Day at Gelling in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district to pay tribute to the bravehearts who made supreme sacrifice during the 1962 Indo-China War.

The day was celebrated on Sunday to also remember the resilient saga of villagers who stood strong to support the Indian Army during the war, a defence communique said here on Monday.

A ceremony was held at the Kepang La Chorten, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and Guard of Honour to pay tribute to the martyrs. Prayers were also offered at the historic Gelling Monastery, symbolising the sacred bond between the Army and villagers.

The Army also paid gratitude to the villagers who supported the Army during the war by recognizing and expressing their acknowledgement of their ancestor’s courage and unity.

The event was attended by additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Tuting, school children, and residents to witness the saga and valour of Siang Valley’s enduring legacy of bravery, unity and cultural heritage, the communique said.

Kepang La Pass in Siang valley is an inseparable part of India’s heritage, symbolising the sacrifices made by soldiers and villagers. The Day is being observed to honour those heroes, whose steadfast legacy at the borders is a reminder of the valour and unity at the heart of national identity.

Kepang La is a significant mountain pass on the Indo-Tibetan border along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which holds a special place in the hearts of the Indian people from Arunachal Pradesh.

This strategic location is situated near the course of the Yarlung Tsangpo, known as Brahmaputra River in Assam and Siang in Arunachal Pradesh, which has witnessed numerous heroic sacrifices by Indian soldiers who have guarded the nation’s borders.

The bravery of the Siang Valley people and soldiers was put to the ultimate test during the 1962 India-China war. When villagers from Gelling noticed Chinese PLA footprints near the Nyugong Ri stream, Indian forces quickly responded, engaging the enemy in a fierce skirmish.

For eight hours, Indian soldiers defended their positions with remarkable valour, sacrificing their lives to protect the valley.

Among the fallen heroes were 2 Madras Regiment’s subedar Sheikh Subani, havildar B Ramalinga G, sepoys Murri Raja, Appa Rao and Ellias. (PTI)

Hot this week

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Liverpool beats Everton 1-0 to restore 12-point lead in the Premier League

London, Apr 3: Diogo Jota scored the goal that...

War drama ‘Warfare’ to release in India on April 11

New Delhi, Apr 3: "Warfare", a war drama by...

Lok Sabha passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

New Delhi, Apr 3: The Lok Sabha early Thursday...

US President Trump announces 27 per cent reciprocal tariff on India

New York/Washington/New Delhi, Apr 3: The US has announced...

Police “accidental” firing injures man in Garo Hills

Tura, April 3: A man sustained bullet injuries on...

Lok Sabha confirms imposition of President’s rule in Manipur

New Delhi, Apr 3: The Lok Sabha early Thursday...

Suspected US airstrikes in Yemen kill at least 6 people, Houthi rebels say

Dubai, Apr 3: Suspected US airstrikes battered rebel-controlled areas...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img