 "Battle of Walong: When 2,500 Indian troops took on the Chinese might amid 1962 war")
The Indian Army has kickstarted a month-long series of events to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Walong fought during the 1962 war with China. The programmes began on Thursday (October 17) and will continue till November 14.
The battle of Walong is a significant moment in the Indian military history. Despite being outnumbered and equipped with little ammunition, Indian troops launched the only counterattack in the 1962 India-China War to halt the advancing People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh’s Walong.
What happened during the 1962 Battle of Walong? How is the Indian Army commemorating it? Let’s take a look.
Battle of Walong
As Chinese soldiers advanced into the easternmost areas of Arunachal Pradesh in October 1962, the Indian troops were tasked with defending Walong.
Located near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar, Walong was the only advanced landing ground (ALG) in the region. It was also a key supply route linking remote border posts.
The 11 Infantry Brigade under the 2nd Infantry Division was responsible for resisting the Chinese offensive. The Brigade consisted of the Kumaon regiment, the Sikh regiment, the Gorkha Rifles and the Dogra regiment.
Some 2,500 Indian troops were up against an estimated 15,000 Chinese soldiers with superior weapons and artillery.
Brigadier NC Rawlley, commander of the 11 Infantry Brigade, had famously said on October 31: “No withdrawal is to take place; let everyone get that straight.”
However, he had to order a pullback days later.
What happened in the battle?
On October 21, 1962, the Chinese soldiers attacked the Dhola sector in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kameng Division and a post at Kibithu, 40 km away from Walong, Colonel NN Bhatia (retired), a veteran of 1965 and 1971 wars, told ThePrint.
The next day, China ’s troops targeted Walong, firing machine guns and mortars from south of Sama and attacking two platoons.
After reinforcing their troops, the Chinese launched another assault, which saw 60-70 Chinese casualties and the death of four Indian soldiers, as per ThePrint report.
After admitting Kibithu could not be defended, 6 Kumaon was directed to move to Walong.
“On October 23, another memorable incident that took place was that a company of the Army under Lt Bikram Singh was ordered to establish screen position on Ashi Hill duly reinforced with Medium Machine Guns (MMGs) and 3-inch Mortars. The wooden bridge on the Namti Nullah was demolished from our own side,” Colonel Bhatia (retired) was quoted as saying by ThePrint.
Screen position means to delay and mislead the enemy.
By early November, the Chinese Army was forced to deploy an additional Division size force of about 15,000 soldiers.
The Chinese soldiers captured the strategic heights of Yellow and Green Pimple, located above Walong.
On November 12, the 6 Kumaon took up positions at Tri-Junction, which lies in the Lohit valley, north of Walong, and is above both Yellow and Green Pimple.
The Indian Army launched a counterattack to drive the Chinese out of the Yellow and Green Pimple. The 6 Kumaon launched a second counterattack on November 14 and as they did not have artillery fire support, they used 3-inch mortars, Bhatia wrote in his book Kumaoni Nostalgia! about the battle of Walong.
“Two companies launched the first phase of the attack, the Adhoc Company under Captain BN Singh and the B Company under command Major BN Sharma. The D Company was positioned at Green Pimple, and the C Company was kept as a reserve for the Tri Junction. After heavy firing between the troops, the Kumaonis under BN Singh was just 20 metres short of the objective,” Bhatia said, as per ThePrint.
However, under artillery fire and mortar attacks that caused heavy casualties, the Indian troops could not sustain their offensive.
As per ThePrint report, 4 Dogra was ordered to reinforce positions at the ‘Tri Junction’. But before this could happen, the Chinese Army targeted the Indian forces at the Tri-Junction.
Between November 15-16, the Chinese troops attacked Indian soldiers five times, including using 120mm mortars for shelling.
“With their huge strength and firepower, the Chinese prevailed and only 90 out of 200 Kumaoni troops could make it to the Battalion Headquarters at Tri Junction,” Bhatia said.
November 16 was the last day of the battle. China ’s troops launched a major bid to capture Walong.
“The few tired and ill-equipped Indian troops left continued to fight. A helicopter tried to evacuate the casualties, but could not land because of poor weather conditions and an absence of suitable landing ground free from enemy fire,” Bhatia told ThePrint.
Amid heavy casualties, Brigadier NC Rawlley was forced to order the Indian troops to withdraw from Walong.
As many as 642 Indian soldiers are estimated to have been killed, while several soldiers were taken as prisoners of war by the Chinese.
The battles on Kibithu, Namti Tri Junction, Walong and abutting regions were fought at heights ranging from 3,000 to 14,000 feet.
Despite the odds against it, the Indian troops fought till the last man, the last round.
In January 1963, Time magazine wrote about the battle of Walong, “At Walong, Indian troops lacked everything. The only thing they did not lack was guts.”
Fortunate to visit the Walong War Memorial in Arunachal, a place of pilgrimage for patriots.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 11, 2023
It reminds us of the valor of Indian heroes of the 1962 war who despite being outnumbered and having fewer resources defeated a large enemy force.
I salute them on behalf of the nation. pic.twitter.com/4kB2yToHBB
Remembering the bravehearts
To mark the 62nd anniversary of the battle of Walong, the Indian Army is organising several activities.
An official told The Hindu that this year’s events are aimed at engaging the locals and honouring the fallen heroes. “The events include white water rafting, motorcycle rallies, bicycle rallies, battlefield treks, adventure treks and a half marathon, all designed to reflect the adventurous spirit of the Indian Army in the rugged terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.”
GOC #SpearCorps unveiled statues of ‘KUMAONI SOLDIER’ at #Walong War Memorial & Kibithu Hut of Remembrance in tribute to braves of 6 KUMAON in Battle of Walong during 1962 Indo-China War@adgpi@easterncomd@spokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/Hiv7EYvDXo
— EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) December 4, 2020
Medical and veterinary camps will also be held. On November 14, which is marked as Walong Day, the newly renovated Walong War Memorial will be inaugurated.
A wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the memorial, followed by an evocative battle narration in which the events of the clashes will be recounted.
There will also be performances by traditional Mishmi and Meyor dancers to bring the spotlight to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
There are also plans to inaugurate the Shaurya Sthal at Lama Spur and unveil infrastructure projects to boost security and connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh.
With inputs from agencies
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