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Battle of Rezang La
The Battle of Rezang La ("la" meaning hill in Tibetan/Ladhaki language) was a major military engagement that took place on 18 November 1962, during the Sino-Indian War between the Indian Army's 13th Kumaon Regiment and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). 120 Indian soldiers of all-Ahir Charlie C Company faced more than 3000 Chinese soldiers and successfully defended the strategic mountain pass of Rezang Lah in Ladakh. Fought at an altitude of 16,000 feet, against overwhelming Chinese forces, the battle saw one of the greatest last stands, with Indian sources documenting more than 1400 Chinese casualties. Major Shaitan Singh, who led the defense, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor, for his extraordinary bravery. Several other decorations were awarded posthumously to many officers and soldiers of the company.[2] BackgroundIn October 1962, China launched a large-scale offensive against Republic of India in the disputed border areas of Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA). The Indian Army, under-prepared and outnumbered, was tasked with defending these high-altitude regions. Rezang La, a pass located in the Chushul sector of Ladakh, became a key defense point as it guarded the vital airstrip at Chushul.[3] The defense of Rezang La was entrusted to the 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, under the command of Major Shaitan Singh. The battalion was positioned on the barren, exposed ridges of the pass, without adequate artillery support or reinforcements.[4] BattleDuring the Sino-Indian War in 1962, Rezang La was the site of the last stand of the Charlie "C" Ahir company[5][6][7] of 13 Kumaon, consisting of 114 Indian soldiers.[8][9] According to the official Indian history of the war, the Rezang La picket of Charlie company was located at an elevation of 5,500 metres (18,000 ft), 11 km south of the Spanggur Gap, on the same ridge line as Rezang La.[10] Rezang La had the drawback that an intervening feature blocked artillery operation, so that the Indian infantry had to do without artillery cover.[11] The Indian side was led by Major Shaitan Singh,[12] who perished in battle and posthumously won India's highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra, for his actions.[13][14][11] The Chinese employed human wave tactics, sending up to eight waves against the Indian troop positions.[15][16][17] Eventually, the Indian position was overrun, and Indian troops were forced to withdraw to high mountain positions. After the conclusion of battle, their valor was recognized by the Chinese, who had covered the bodies of the Indian soldiers with blankets and even placed bayonets over them so that the makeshift covers did not fly off. This mark of respect is exceptional and atypical of practices of that time.[18] Both sides took overwhelming casualties, though both countries disagree over how many were killed. It is generally accepted 114 Indian soldiers out of a total of 120 lost their lives.[19][20] However, Indian sources claim upwards of 1,300 Chinese troops were killed in Rezang La alone.[20][21][22] Eventually, the Chinese captured Rezang La and Gurung Hill, but was unable to advance further due to Indian reorganization.[1] AftermathThe heroic defense by the Kumaon Regiment became a source of inspiration for the Indian military and the nation. Major Shaitan Singh's bravery and leadership were recognized with the posthumous award of the Param Vir Chakra.[23] The battle is considered one of the most heroic last stands in modern military history.[citation needed] LegacyThe Battle of Rezang La remains a symbol of Indian courage and determination. Memorials have been erected at Rezang La and at various places in India to commemorate the bravery of the soldiers who fought and died in the battle.[2] In 2012, on the 50th anniversary of the battle, veterans and military historians gathered to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers, and the battle continues to be studied as a lesson in mountain warfare.[24] See alsoNotesReferencesCitations
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