INDIAN ARMY COMMEMORATES THE VALOUR & SUPREME SACRIFICE OF SOLDIERS ON THE 62ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF WALONG.

Indian Army commemorated the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Walong on 17 October 24 (Thursday), marking the commencement of a month long series of events to honour the sacrifices of the brave soldiers and citizens of Walong in the 1962 conflict. Smt Dasanglu Pul, Minister for Women, Child Development & Cultural Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony hosted by the Walong Brigade in the presence of officials of the Indian Army, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, Citizens of Walong, NCC Cadets, School Children and local youth.

The opening ceremony commenced with a scintillating display of Pipes & Drums of the Walong Brigade followed by a mesmerising cultural programme. The Chief guest also flagged off two Battlefield Treks by a combined team of Indian Army and NCC Cadets, retracing the path taken by the valiant soldiers of the lndian Army during the conflict. The treks are in remembrance of the stiff resistance put up by

those brave soldiers in challenging weather and terrain and also to promote Battlefield Tourism in the scenic and pristine Lohit Valley. The adventure treks to Jachep Tso and Kundao Tso were also flagged off. These high mountainous lakes amongst snow covered peaks will be visited by a joint team of Indian Army, NCC cadets and citizens from Anjaw and Lohit Districts. Aim of these treks is to promote adventure tourism in Lohit Valley and train local youth as tourism entrepreneurs. Indian Army dedicated Sadbhavna Projects to local community which was received by Smt. Dasanglu Pul. Op Sadbhavna is the Indian Army’s flagship programme for community development in sync with the Government’s Vibrant Village initiative.

A cycle expedition from Namsai to Namti, a Motorcycle Expedition from Mipi to Meshai, White Water Rafting from Walong to Wakro and a half Marathon from Kibithu to Walong have also been planned as part of these month long commemorative events by the Indian Army with twin objectives of honouring the fallen ones and to promote Lohit Valley as an adventure tourism destination.

The Indian Army will also conduct medical and veterinary camps as part of their commitment to community development and health initiatives in Border Areas. The events will conclude with a grand ceremony on 13th and 14th November with a Light and Sound Show and Martial Arts Display. The events will honour veterans and next of kin of those who participated in this epic battle including the brave citizens of Walong who stood with the Indian Army in resolute defence of their motherland.