The Spear Corps of the Indian Army, on Sunday, celebrated the Kepang La Day at Gelling in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang district to pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1962 Indo-China War.
According to a defence communique, the resilience of the villagers who supported the Indian Army during the war was also celebrated during the day.
A ceremony was held at the Kepang La Chorten. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and a Guard of Honour to pay tribute to the martyrs.
Prayers were also offered at the Gelling Monastery. The Army also paid tribute to the villagers who supported the Army during the war by recognizing and expressing their acknowledgment of the courage and unity of their ancestors.
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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, the communique said.
Kepang La is a significant mountain pass on the Indo-Tibetan border along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This strategic location is situated near the course of the Yarlung Tsangpo, known as Brahmaputra River in Assam and Siang in Arunachal Pradesh.
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 fierce gunfire. For eight hours, Indian soldiers defended their positions with remarkable valour, sacrificing their lives to protect the valley.
Among those who were martyred were 2 Madras Regiment's subedar Sheikh Subani, havildar B Ramalinga G, sepoys Murri Raja, Appa Rao and Ellias.