GUWAHATI:
Sixty years after the battle, the nation paid homage to the Bravehearts of the 1962 Namka Chu Battle against the Chinese by conducting traditional military homage at the Surwa Samba War Memorial which was followed by a Namka Chu Run in the sacred battlefield.
Pem Dorjee, now 82 years old, who was a porter with the Army in 1962 and had ferried heavy loads on his shoulders was felicitated by senior military dignitaries as a mark of gratitude by the Indian Army.
The sacrifices of the Namka Chu Bravehearts will never go in vain and shall continue to motivate future generations.
The Battle of Namka Chu fought on October 20, 1962, against the Chinese remains etched in history as an epic battle which was fought under the most challenging conditions and overwhelming odds including no road or track connectivity, limited ammunition, practically no artillery support and against an enemy who outnumbered our forces and was equipped with superior weapons with good logistic support.
Despite these herculean challenges the Indian forces fought with such tenacity that even the enemy in their writings accepted that they were inflicted with severe damage and suffered maximum casualties in this battle.
In September 1962 certain isolated incidents had been reported and because of this two battalions of 7 Infantry Brigade were moved post haste from Tawang while two battalions awaiting de-induction to peace areas after completing difficult tenures were practically deboarded from their trains in Assam and rushed to Namka Chu Sector.
Ahead of Tawang, the battalions were inducted by only foot from an altitude of 6,000 feet rising to more than 15,000 feet. The chilling winter nights were spent in the open before the occupation of defences along the Namka Chu.
In absence of artillery support four guns were airdropped and after which only two could be put in action.
The Chinese assault along the Namka Chu against Indian defences which were based on Sangars which are make-shift defences using stones and boulders commenced in the early hours of October 20. The Indian forces despite being heavily outnumbered and facing preponderance of artillery support fought a fierce battle and gave the enemy a bloody nose.
Every soldier stuck to his position knowing very well that ammunition was not there for even one day’s fighting. True to the traditional valour of the Indian Army the gallant men fought to the last man last round. The nation could not have asked for more.
The grit and determination of Indian soldiers became very clear to the Chinese and today as the Army secures the borders the Chinese know well what the response of the Indian Army will be in case they think of any misadventure. The Indian response at Galwan was also a refresher for them.
The award of seven Mahavir Chakras, eleven Vir Chakras, 13 Sena Medals and 20 Mention-in-Dispatches to the four battalions namely 2 Rajput, 1/9 Gorkha Rifles, 9 Punjab & 4 Grenadiers bear testimony to the gallantry and grit of the Namka Chu Bravehearts.