WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO COL NN BHATIA FOR HIS PERMISSION TO PUBLISH THIS ARTICLE.
Battles of Sino India War 1962:
Walong
This is the
second part of the Sino Indian Battles of 1962. The valour and raw courage of
Indian soldiers dwarfs the fact that we lost.
-Editor
By Col NN Bhatia
Brief
Description of Kumaonis
Kumaon is one of the two administrative
divisions of newly carved Uttrakhand hill state from Uttar Pradesh in the
northern India that includes districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat,
Nainital, Pithoragargh and Udham Singh Nagar. Kumaoni language, a sub group of
Pahari dialects, is one of the 325 recognized Indian languages spoken by the
people of the state. Due to lesser job opportunities, Kumaonis have migrated
all over India. Every Kumaonis first love is to join the armed forces
particularly the Kumaon Regiment or Para Military Forces and they are famous
for their valour and have won numerous gallantry awards. Initially on raising,
the 3rd Gorkha Rifles was known as the Keemaon Battalion and included both
Kumaonis and Garhwalis. Kumaonis excel in all walks of life. Some of the known
Kumaonis are Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, Daya Kishen Pande
(also Known as Shere Kumaon), Sheila Irene Pant or Begum Liaquat
Ali khan (Pakistan), Narayan Datt Tiwari, Murli Manohar Joshi, Padmavibhushan
BD Pandey (former Cabinet Secretary and Governor of West Bengal and Punjab.
Vinod Chandra Pandey,(IAS-Former Cabinet Secretary and Governor of Bihar &
Arunanchal Pradesh),Leela Singh Bisht, IPS(DG CISF), Nain Singh Rawat, C.I.E
(1830-1895), Explorer, Cartographer and Surveyor who was first to do the survey
of Tibet , Sumitra Nandan Pant, national poet, Mrinal Pandey, journalist,
Mohinder Singh Dhoni, cricketer, mountaineers Hokum Singh Pangti, Bachenderi
Pal, the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest and Chandraprabha Atwal,
General B C Joshi, Chief of Army, Staff (COAS) and Admiral D K Joshi,
Chief of Naval (CONS),Young Kumaonis are affectionately addressed as ’Bula’ for
men and ‘Buli’ for women meaning there by ‘a kid brother ‘or a kid sister’
respectively.
Prelude to
Operation
In response to increasing Chinese
intrusions across the Lohit Valley increased, 6 Kumaon was moved into the area
in March 1962 with a company posted about 2 miles from the border. Along with
hectic digging, dumping ammunition, rations, artillery and field engineering
stores, improving tracks, reconnaissance in strength, the Chinese moved their
out posts closer to the international border.
Strategic
Importance Of Walong
Unlike Ladakh,
that is barren high altitude plateau, Lohit Frontier Division is in extreme
northeast of NEFA, bordering Tibet and Burma. NEFA is mountainous jungle with a
number of peaks exceeding 16,000 feet above sea level. Walong is a small
eastern most hamlet located near the Tri Junction of Tibet, Burma and India.
Situated on an ancient trade route, it is approximately 160 km from the
district headquarters town of Teju that was a good 14 day journey on foot on
extremely treacherous track that even mules refused to move. Teju was located
70 km from rail head in Assam but the road from rail head to Teju was unusable
and, therefore, it was maintained by air.
Lohit Valley
Tri Junction
ALG at Walong
Kumaonis in
Combat
Walong
had an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) capable of handling small Indian Air Force
(IAF) Otters and Caribous and an operational helipad but after 1000 hrs no air
activity could be undertaken due to high velocity winds. It is located 20 km south
of the Chinese border on the western bank of Lohit River, a tributary of the
mighty Brahmaputra River. Across the border is the Tibetan trading town Rima.
The forest around Walong is rich in wildlife. Population of the Walong is
primarily Mishmi tribe. Walong was manned by air maintained 2 Assam Rifles
Platoon Post as for political reasons no regular troops could be deployed on
the international border.
Prelude to
Operations
The Sino-
Indian border runs through some of the most difficult terrains in the world.
Semi-arctic conditions prevail in the trackless impassable mountainous alpine
forests in higher altitude while lower hills abound in tropical jungles with
only means of ingress being some passes if there is no snow. The Chinese were
always interested in Walong and had constructed road up to Indian border in
1910 and in1957 the first Chinese intrusion took place in Walong along the
Lohit River. When the intruders were challenged, they withdrew back to Tibet
but their deliberate intrusions continued. The Chinese familiarized with
terrain, topography and deployment through these annoying unprovoked intrusions
that proved them useful in 1962 War.
Consequent to
sudden Chinese activities in the area, 6 Kumaon was moved from Ukhrul to Walong
in end March 1962 under Lt Col CN Madiah to relieve 2 Rajput as part of 5
Infantry Brigade located in Lilasari. C Company under Capt TS Pall was deployed
in Kibithoo 3km south of border for intensive reconnaissance and patrolling.
From September 1962 onwards, Indian Observation Posts (OPs) established along
the McMohan Line started reporting increasing Chinese activities across the
border. Intensity of night digging and signaling amongst posts increased
rapidly and more men in uniform and civil clothes were observed moving in the
border villages across in Tibet. The Chinese OPs would come closer to border in
strength for reconnaissance and war clouds started gathering amazingly fast.
The Chinese ‘D’
Day
The Chinese
unprovoked offensive commenced in NEFA in the Dhola Sector in Kameng Division
on 20 October 1962. The Kibithoo Post on night 20-21 October observed heavy
concentration of the Chinese near the West Bank Check Post across the McMohan
Line. They were observed carrying out reconnaissance, digging and clearing
jungle tracks for mules to operate for logistics support. Lt Col CN Madiah, the
Commanding Officer along with his Tactical Headquarters of the Battalion moved
from Walong to Kibithoo to take control of the worsening situation.
Initial
Deployment of 6 Kumaon on 18 October 1962
6 Kumaon was
responsible for the Walong along with a platoon of 2 Assam Rifles manning the
border post. The deployment was as under:-
‘A’ Company –
Dichu
‘B’ Company –
East Ridge (moved to Thapa Ridge on 22 October)
‘C’ Company –
Kibithoo ‘D’ Company – Ladders area (moved to Thapa Ridge on 20 October)
Battalion
Tactical Headquarters – Kibithoo
Battalion HQ
with Administrative elements – Walong
The Battle of
Walong
On 18 October
1962, reconnaissance patrol under Subedar Surendra Chand reported presence of 2
Chinese Officers and 53 soldiers along with a Lama Guide occupying feature
called Hundred Hill well across the Indian territory. A platoon each of 2 Assam
Rifles and A Company was moved by the afternoon of 19 October to occupy defenses
at Ninety Hill to check further Chinese encroachment. Due to increasing Chinese
build up and preparations like digging, improving tracks for movement of animal
transport, concentration of troops along the border, the Chinese offensives
appeared imminent and Major Gomitinayagam, A Company Commander was ordered to
move and reinforce Ninety Hill position.
On 22 Oct0ber
at 0015 hrs the tranquility of Walong was suddenly shattered by the Chinese
machine guns and mortars fire from south of Sama followed by infantry assault
on two platoons with over 300 soldiers. The Bulas struck to their defences in
spite of the fact that they were heavily out numbered. The deadly accurate and
rapid 3 inch Mortar fire caused heavy Chinese causalities and attrition till
0300hrs. The enemy depleted strength was reinforced and silently infiltrated
through the flanks in darkness and rear of A Company’s defences and launched
yet another fierce attack at 0500 hrs on the two platoon positions. Lt Col
Madiah flashed for air strike on enemy concentrations but the request was
turned down. Since these posts were attacked with overwhelming strength and no
reinforcement was available, troops were ordered to withdraw to Kibithoo. For
over 4 hours Kumaonis fought savagely. The enemy suffered 60 casualties, while
A Company suffered 4 wounded including Major Gomtinayagam, 2 missing and 4
killed including Naik Bahadur Singh, who after his gunner number 1 and 2 were
killed, took over the Light Machine Gun (LMG) himself and kept firing till he
was hit in the chest and silenced by the enemy automatic fire.
While B
and D Companies were ordered to stage forward on Thapa Ridge, the Chinese in
overwhelming strength were bashing forward and had occupied Kahao village on
the eastern bank of the Lohit by 1730 hrs on 22 October. Appreciating that
Kibithoo could not be defended, 6 Kumaon was ordered to withdraw to Walong
after destroying the bridge on the Tho Chu River. The Battalion concentrated in
Walong by last light after D Company under Lt Bikram Singh had established
screen position on Ashi Hill duly reinforced with section of Medium Machine
Guns (MMGs) and 3 inch Mortars. The wooden bridge on the Namti Nullah from own
side was demolished. The enemy contacted screen position on 23 October at 0300
hrs. Due to poor visibility and field of fire, enemy was allowed to creep close
and as their scout stepped on the spot where bridge was blown, he fell headlong
into the Nullah. His shouting made rest of the column to switch on the lights
to help him which gave Lt Bikram Singh chance of his life time. He fired a Very
light and ordered 3 inch Mortars and MMGs to play merry hell with the Chinese
cramped on the narrow track. The enemy was beaten back with over 200 killed /
wounded for loss of 3 Kumaonis killed and 6 wounded. The screen position under
the dynamic leadership of young officer Lt Bikram Singh did a commendable
action and was withdrawn at 0400 hrs.
While B Company
was deployed on East Ridge, A Company was moved by 24 October morning to defend
Advance Landing Ground (ALG) and dropping zone (DZ). By mid day, C Company was
deployed in Yepak to deny that approach to the Chinese.
On 26 October,
Tactical Headquarters of 6 Kumaon was established on the East Ridge on the East
bank of Lohit and 3/3 Gorkha Rifles were being airlifted to Walong. Sepoy
Bachhi Singh who was missing since 22 October and taken as prisoner of
war (POW) by the Chinese had escaped on his way from the border and said
that he saw two to three hundred enemy dead on his way to Walong and that enemy
worth a battalion strength was moving towards Ashi Hill. On 29 October, the
defences of Walong were taken over by 11 Infantry Brigade (2 Infantry Division)
commanded by Brig NC Rawlley, MC located at Teju who reached Walong on 31
October while intensive patrolling and war preparations were being
undertaken by both sides.
Battle Of
Walong
During the lull
from 26 October to 6 November, the Chinese regrouped about division strength to
attack Walong and both sides carried out extensive patrolling and area
domination. There were numerous skirmishes and the one on the Green Pimple that
overlooked brigade defences needs special mention. On 5 November, A Company
under Captain (later Brigadier) Ravi Mathur was tasked to rescue Assam Rifles
patrol that had been ambushed at Green Pimple and occupy it. Two platoons of
Assam Rifles were placed under his command along with support of heavy mortars
that actually did not materialize during the attack. The Chinese opened medium
machine gun (MMG) and mortar fire but Ravi and his troops attacked with grim
determination at 0900 hrs vibrating the entire Walong Valley with repeated
Kumauni war cry ‘Kalika Mata Ki Jai’ forcing enemy to vacate forward positions.
The enemy retaliated with heavy pounding and since Ravi had no mortar fire
support, he decided to pull back, maintaining contact with the enemy. A Company
suffered six causalities – one dead and six wounded in this action.
Unabated,
major Chinese preparations to capture Walong were going on hectic scale. Their
thrust on Walong defences was appreciated from the western flank, which was
dominated by Yellow Pimple. Attack on Yellow Pimple was feasible from Tri
Junction that dominated Yellow Pimple. Lt Col Madiah planned to disrupt enemy’s
impending operations by attacking the feature from Tri Junction, which was
secured on 12 November by Adhoc Company commanded by Capt (later
Brigadier) BN Singh. On 13 November, 6 Kumaon less four platoons, concentrated
at Tri Junction after weary march on treacherous terrain. While four platoons
under the command of Lt Bikram Singh were holding the enemy on the West Ridge.
On 14 November
at 0800 hrs the ‘Jangi Sixth’ as 6 Kumaon is known for its heroic deeds,
had the distinction to become the only Indian Army Battalion in the entire 1962
War that had counter attacked the Chinese with unparallel bravery, grit and
determination. There was no artillery fire support available but own 3 inch
Mortars were the most effective. The war cries of ‘Kalika Mata ki Jai’
drowned the clatter of automatic weapons and thud of the mortars, breaking the
long silence of the mountains. In the first phase, attack was launched with two
companies- Adhoc Company under Capt BN Singh on the left and B Company under
Maj BN Sharma on the right. The D Company was to exert pressure on Green
Pimple, while C Company was kept as reserve at Tri Junction. A Company was to
provide a platoon each for Mortar position, securing the firm base and
protecting the area between the Mortar position and the firm base. The Jangis
charged up the hills of Yellow Pimple like the hungry ‘Man eaters of Kumaon’.
Enemy reacted fiercely by artillery and machine gun fire. Two platoons of the
reserve Company were also launched and by noon the Kumaonis under Capt BN Singh
were held just 20 meters short of objective. But Jangis suffered heavy
casualties and could not sustain as they had dwindling bayonet strength and
limited 3 inch mortar fire support. Capt BN Singh was wounded while Subedar
Govind Singh met heroic death while charging up the hill. It is a matter of
great pride to unfold the untold bravery that as Subedar Govind Singh fell
charging the enemy, Jamadar Trilok Singh assumed the command of assaulting
platoon and was also swept away by the heavy enemy firing. Brigadier Rawlley
was watching the battle from the forward slopes of Tri Junction and ordered 4
Dogra that had arrived in Walong, to relive two platoons at firm base and
Mortar position to reinforce positions in Tri Junction. In the morning, Indian
Air Force (IAF) Dakota had dropped ammunition and supplies. Around
mid-night, the Chinese reinforced their positions with fresh troops and counter
attacked Tri Junction before 4 Dogra could reinforce 6 Kumaon and ‘Bulas’ held
on to ground that they had captured and hand to hand fighting ensued. But
Chinese overwhelming strength and fire power prevailed and out of 200 kumaonis,
only 90 could make up to Tri Junction where Battalion Headquarters was located.
About 0130 hrs
the Chinese attacked Tri Junction itself. Capt PN Bhatia, the Adjutant of 6
Kumaon adroitly countered the situation and put up a determined resistance.
When the gunner near him was fatally wounded, he himself manned the LMG and
emptied magazines after magazines on the advancing enemy. The attack was
repulsed and enemy suffered heavy casualties. By 0600 hrs, our two jawans were
killed and 3 seriously wounded including Capt Bhatia and 2 Lt AS Khatri. The
courageous Kumaonis fought like wounded ‘man eaters’ till there was silence in
the war. It is a matter of pride that courageous Prem Bhatia kept fighting in
spite of severe injures sustained during the previous day. He even profusely
bleeding, personally hauled countless 3 inch mortar bombs to the mortar
position. Constant firing of the Kumaoni mortars mounted Chinese causalities
that kept them at bay for long time.
Only 33 jawans
of 4 Dogra could manage to reinforce remnants of 6 Kumaon as Tri Junction was
surrounded from all the sides by the Chinese. Yet, four successive enemy
attacks were repulsed on the night15/16 November by the Kumaonis who had
neither any rest nor ammunition and had suffered mounting casualties.
On 16 November
at 0730 hrs, Chinese launched another massive attack as they were determined to
capture Walong. What ever tired, ill clad and ill-equipped troops were
available, were reorganized and enemy assault petered with in 50 yards of the
top. A helicopter made abortive attempts to land to evacuate the casualties
near the Mortar position but in poor weather conditions, enemy fire and absence
of helipad it did not succeed in its mission. Driven to desperation, Kumaonis
fought like wolves at bay and repulsed all attacks. But the fate of Walong and
6 Kumaon was sealed as they were surrounded by two brigade strength of the
Chinese. With no fresh troops to reinforce, it was but impossible to hold on
any longer and Company was ordered to withdraw. Company Commander Lt Bikram
Singh was killed while extricating his men and only one JCO and 17 other ranks
joined the Battalion later at Yepak. The Brigade Commander had planned to give
the next stand at Yepak but the Chinese infiltrating columns ambushed the
withdrawing troops and took many prisoners of war (POWs). The withdrawing
troops broke in to smaller groups and leading elements reached Teju on 24
November. After the cease fire, Prem Bhatia though him self severely injured,
got most of the wounded and stragglers together in orderly withdrawal refusing
helicopter evacuation for self as all officers senior to him were either taken
as prisoners of war (POWs) by the Chinese or evacuated having been wounded in
earlier actions. Many isolated posts and patrols could not get withdrawal
orders and just perished in the cold due to starvation. Prem was subsequently
evacuated to Military Hospitals (MHs) at Barrackpore and Lucknow and many
grenade splinters were removed surgically from his body.
The Unsung Hero
“Late Lt Bikram
Singh- If there be a UNSUNG HERO of the Battle of Walong, it is
undoubtedly him, who from the Namti Plains to Ashi Hill to West ridge
un-tiringly made the enemy shed blood for every inch of ground. His ingenuity
and tactical acumen paved way to extricate our boys falling back from Kibitho
and Mc Mohan Ridge. His daring exploits in the face of the enemy earned
him the admiration of his boys who stood by him as a mighty bulwark against the
enemy onslaught.
After the
success at Tri Junction, PLA trained its sights on West Ridge and launched a
frontal attack on the locality which was thwarted by Lt Bikram Singh and his
company (D Coy plus one platoon). After the unsuccessful bid by the enemy, he
launched another multi directional attack from three directions supported by
Artillery and MMG. The capture of West Ridge would lay open this approach to
Walong and would threaten the forward defended localities being cut off. His
devil may care attitude lead him to repulse repeated enemy attacks against his
company at West ridge. Mind you he had no Artillery or Mortar support. He was
woefully short of ammunition, yet he stood there, a roaring Lion.
Well past
his time of withdrawal he stood ground daring the enemy, enticing and teasing
him. He waited for the last elements of his company to Withdraw, engaging the
on coming enemy who was trying to out flank the company, with the LMG he
was manning in
person, with scant regards to personal safety, à vicious burst of enemy
automatic ripped through him. Yet, undeterred he kept engaging the enemy,
ordering back his boys till he breathed his last. He died a MARTYR with his
‘Boots On’ and the LMG in hand.
As in the fog
of war, he died a forgotten HERO with no recognition of his distinguished acts
of gallantry once the battle was en joined. Today, his bust in silver adorns a
place of pride in our Officers Mess. The Lion of Walong still continues to roar
through generations next.
In 6 Kumaon the
only officer survivor was Capt Mathur who had the difficult task of
reorganizing the heavily depleted Battalion. On a final muster the casualties
suffered by 6 Kumaon were 404:-
Killed
Wounded POWs
Total
(a)
Officers
02
05
04
11
(b) JCOs
06
01
05
12
(c) Other
Ranks
111 107
163
381
Total
119
113
172 404
The
Honours and the Awards
The followings
were decorated:-
Major PN
Bhatia,
VrC
Capt RK
Mathur,
VrC
Capt BC Chopra,
RMO,
VrC
Naik Bahadur
Singh (posthumously) VrC
Jemadar Man
Singh Mention in
Dispatches
It is a pity
that our governing system is highly misery in honouring heroism of all ranks in
combat especially against insurmountable odds. There can be no greater honour
for any brave heart than pinning of a circular metal disc of gallantry on his
chest if living. The martyrs’ families feel wonderfully proud with their
glinting eyes holding their medals and recounting their bravery to posterity to
motivate. Equally saddening is the fact that Ministry of Defence (MOD) did not
have the decency to honour troops who fought in Walong with Battle / Theatre
Honours. Over the years these rag tags remind posterity what their predecessor
did as great motivating factor. The bravery of both these Kumaoni Battalions
should not be judged by the numbers of soldiers killed but the content of their
character under hopeless situation. The blood spill of troops on the Himalayan
tops should inspire nation to protect its way of life with dignity and honour.
Forgetting that will amount to another Himalayan blunder that posterity will
never forgive us. Not only that, our armed forces must be equipped with
wherewithal for combat, provided with adequate dependable communication means,
logistics and infrastructural support like roads, transport, airfields and
hospitals and real time actionable intelligence at strategic and battlefield
levels. Though the causalities India suffered in this unmatched war, the well
prepared Chinese brush them aside as minor border skirmishes. Failure of super
sized ego of ‘Pancvhsheel and Bhai Bhai’ syndrome led to bloody conflict for
which India was least prepared. But for this untold story of courage of
these two Kumaoni Battalions against heavy odds, the 1962 War led country to
ghostly silence in defeat and these men fought till the silence of death muted
them for ever.
Lt Col CN
Madiah, the Commanding
Officer of Jangi Sixth, a thoroughly professional and patriotic Officer was a ‘man
of steel’. Even when taken as prisoner of war (POW) by the Chinese, he kept
wearing his Indian Army uniform with badges of ranks and refused all enemy
inducements. He was physically abused by the Chinese and lost hearing in one
ear and sight in one eye. When repatriated back, he was seen proudly wearing
his same tattered olive green uniform.
Though no two
battles are comparable as terrain, troops, training, tasks, tools, timings,
temperaments, tactics and leadership differ in forces fighting on both sides.
Yet, as a Kumaoni, in retrospect, I feel that due to remoteness of the
Northeast and lesser media attention as Indian Army was on rout except in
Rezang La and Walong, 6 Kumaon did not get the recognition it deserved. The
heroics of the Rezang La Battle were against one night overwhelming Chinese
attack on the Charlie Company of 13 Kumaon (my Battalion and I am really proud
of that), while the saga of valour and courage of 6 Kumaon (my brother’s
Battalion and I feel doubly proud of that) in the remote trackless Walong
fighting from 20 October to 16 November1962 is a remarkable feat of indomitable
Kumaoni spirit, traditions and sacrifice proving soldiers do not fight for
personal glory. They only fight for ‘NAAM, NAMAK and NISHAAN’ and
are forgotten after the war unwept, unhonoured and unsung. Walong, like
rest of the Northeast suffered the ‘tyranny of distance’ from Delhi.
I ask my country men,’ An Olympic shooter was given over Rs 3 crores on
winning a gold medal in Beijing Olympics in 2008. But, shooters in uniform die
fighting terrorists and enemy and their families barely get peanuts in
compensation. Is this enough as a motivation to join the armed forces..? Do we
have conscience as a nation..??We need to do a little soul searching for the
answers to such questions. We need to be like Israelis to provide compulsory
military service to all every able bodied citizens to put rest to such
questions and colossal neglect of the armed forces.
It is pity that
the Top Secret Lieutenant General Henderson Brooks Report to Review the 1962
Operations is gathering dust in South block even after sixty years and the
skeletons lying in the office almirahs must have withered away for political
reasons. In any case, much of its relevance has been lost with
modernization of the armed forces that after the 1962 debacle had fought most
creditably in 1965, 1971 and the Kargil Wars as professionals. But there is
LONG way ahead. In the famous words of Brig NC Rawlley, MC, Commander of the
Walong Brigade:-
‘6 Kumaon
at Tri Junction fought and fought and fought till there was an eerie silence’.
As the sixtieth
anniversary of the 1962 War nears, I regretfully state that we as a nation have
neglected our armed forces and forgotten our war heroes. BUT this is what the Time
Magazine of the US had said about heroics of 6 Kumaon in Walong:-
ASLEEP IN THE MISHMI HILLS
“The Sentinel Hills,
That Round Us Stand,
Bear Witness That,
We
Loved Our Land.
Amidst shattered rocks,
And Flaming Pines,
We Fought And Died,
On Namti Plain.
O
Lohit Gently By Us Glide,
Pale Stars Above Palely Shine
As We Sleep Here,
In Sun And Rain.”
THE BATTLE OF WALONG
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 1962
IN UNDYING TRIBUTE TO OUR
SOLDIERSWHO LAID DOWN THEIR
LIVES IN DEFENCE OF MOTHERLAND.
JAI HIND
Acknowledgements
and References
War Diaries of
6 Kumaon.
War Diaries of
13 Kumaon.
Battle of Chushul
by LN Subramanian
Men of Steel on
icy Heights by Mohan Guruswamy
Courage of 13
Kumaon by Inder Malhotra
Valour
Triumphs- The History of the Kumaon Regiment by KC Parval.
The Images of
Valour and Triumph- History of the Kumaon Regiment.
Flash of the Khukri:
History of 3 GR by Col. C.L. Proudfoot.
Unsung heroes
of the 62 War by Lt.Col. Gurdip Singh Kler.
Indian Army
after Independence. Major K.C. Praval.
Wikipedia on
Rezang La and Walong.
Maps and
photographs courtesy 6 & 13 Kumaon.
Rezang La
Shurya Samiti.
Brig RVJatar
(Retd), Maj Gen Gurdeep Singh, AVSM (Retd) & Maj Gen RK khanna, VSM (Retd).
Col NN Bhatia
was commissioned in 13 Kumaon in 1963. He commanded 2 Kumaon (Berar), which is
one of the oldest Indian Army battalions. After retiring from the Army, he
served in the Intelligence Bureau specializing in the industrial
security & conducted security audits of large numbers of vital
installations. He is a free lance Industrial Security Consultant
& prolific writer on matters military & industrial security.
He is deeply involved in release of 54 Indian POWs languishing in Pakistani
jails since 1971 War. He can be contacted on narindra_bhatia@hotmail.com &
Mob No +91 9818044762.
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4 comments on “Battles of Sino India War 1962: Walong”
1.
S. Suchindranath
Aiyer on December 12, 2012 at 12:27 pm said:
It is the Netas-Babus that lose wars. Indian Soldiers always fight to win.
(My instructors in the Senior Cadet Corps were all Kumaoni (under Subehdar
Major Diwan Singh) bar a single Madras Sapper (Subehdar Latchman).My mentor,
though, was a Grenadier (Col. Asghar Huseein)
I agree with you utmost. Our men fight for NAAM,NANAK & NISHAAN.
Col NN Bhatia
Mob 09818044762
Col NN Bhatia
Mob 09818044762
3.
Sambu on December
13, 2012 at 9:41 am said:
The valor, heroic deeds and sacrifice of the 2 units of Kumaon in 1962 war
with China are well known. It is unfortunate that the battle field valor is not
fully recognized due to the overall humiliating defeat. We also find few
gallantry awards on the laps of those in the higher chain of command without
being in the battlefield.The Memorials at Walong & Chushul are very touchy
and apt. It is unfortunate that the meaningful ” NAM NAMAK NISHAN ” of the
Infantry Battalions has been replaced with highly progressive and career
oriented leaders. The officer of today from the date of commissioning
plans,aspires and manipulates the moves by hook or crook keeping in mind his
promotions as against the earlier aspiration of commanding the same unit in
which he was commissioned. Regimental soldiering is the bed rock of developing
honour, cohesiveness; fighting spirit and leadership qualities. It is seen that
a Regimental soldier very rarely reaches the higher rung of military ladder.One
cannot blame the MOD. The fault in perceptions and honor have changed with
changes coming into play with the materialist society as such. Though the time
tested and immemorial values of soldiering “With Honour” have never changed.
4.
Col NN Bhatia
on December 13, 2012 at 2:18 pm said:
Your views have summed up the malice our armed forces suffer & such
articles are aimed to revive the professionalism of the men & units &
honour (Izzat) of the infantry & other arms to stimulate & develop
better combat cohesiveness.
I value your comments.
I value your comments.
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