NEWS – The Indian Army is organizing a month-long series of commemorative events to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Walong during the 1962 war with China.

HIGHLIGHTS

Inauguration of Memorials and Infrastructure

• Newly renovated Walong War Memorial and Shaurya Sthal at Lama Spur will be inaugurated.
• Key infrastructure projects in the border areas will also be launched.

THE WAR

• The Battle of Walong was significant in the 1962 Sino-Indian War, where the Indian Army successfully halted the advance of the People’s Liberation Army for 27 days.
• This defensive effort compelled the Chinese to commit a reserve division from the Tawang Sector to Walong amidst fierce battles in challenging terrain.

Forces Involved

• In October 1962, the 11 Infantry Brigade under the Second Infantry Division was tasked with defending Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Brigade consisted of:
  • 6 Kumaon Regiment
  • 4 Sikh Regiment
  • 3rd Battalion of 3 Gorkha Rifles
  • 2nd Battalion of 8 Gorkha Rifles
  • 4 Dogra Regiment

Battle Dynamics

• Chinese forces, numbering over 4,000 soldiers, could not breach the forward defenses held by only 800 Indian troops.
• The fierce resistance lasted for over 27 days, eventually leading to the deployment of an additional 15,000 Chinese soldiers.
• Despite being vastly outnumbered and low on resources, Indian soldiers fought bravely, with Time magazine highlighting their courage in January 1963.