(MOREPIC1) Raj Sadosh/Abohar
A solemn ceremony was organised by Konark Corps to commemorate 60th death anniversary of the Hero of Rezang LA Maj Shaitan Singh, Param Vir Chakra (posthumous), of 1962 Indo-China war. A wreath laying ceremony was organized at Paota Chowk, Jodhpur today with full military honours.
Floral tributes were paid by military officers on behalf of Lt. General AK Singh, GOC-in-C, Southern Command, Lt. General Rakesh Kapoor, GOC, Konark Corps, Colonel of the Regiment KUMAON & Naga Regiment and KUMAON Scouts and All ranks of Armed Forces. Wreaths were also laid by Narpat Singh son of Maj Shaitan Singh, Prithivi Singh, his younger brother, Divisional Commissioner of Jodhpur and Veterans. Students of Chopasni School where Maj Shaitan Singh had studied also participated in the event and offered their tributes.
18 November is celebrated every year as Rezang La Day to remember the valour and ultimate sacrifice of 114 soldiers led by Maj Shaitan Singh, PVC against 3000 well-armed Chinese soldiers in the icy heights in Ladakh Sector in 1962 Indo-China War. Maj Shaitan Singh led his troops from front, took bullets in his left hand and machine gun bursts in his abdomen, refused to get evacuated and fought till his last breath displaying ultimate valour in the true traditions of The Indian Army.(SUBHEAD)
It may be noted that after the war, when the remaining persons of 13 KUMAON along with Red Cross visited the site of battle, found these heroes FROZEN in their trenches with their weapons still in their hand ready to fire. The place has got a white Marble Memorial depicting the steadfast determination, valour and ultimate sacrifice of these bravehearts. The gallant action of the unit was duly recognized by the award on one Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the highest military honour of our country, one Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, eight Vir Chakras, four Sena Medals and one Mention-in-Despatches.
Battle of REZANG LA is counted as one of the leading examples of “LAST MAN LAST ROUND BATTLE” for the gallant action of 114 bravehearts. The memorial at Chusul, Leh was renovated last year and improved site was inaugurated by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The old and the original Memorial remains unchanged, however auditorium, museum and cafeteria have been added to the existing memorial.
