Background

In October 1962, China launched a large-scale offensive against Republic of India in the disputed border areas of Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA). The Indian Army, under-prepared and outnumbered, was tasked with defending these high-altitude regions. Rezang La, a pass located in the Chushul sector of Ladakh, became a key defense point as it guarded the vital airstrip at Chushul.^[7]

The defense of Rezang La was entrusted to the 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, under the command of Major Shaitan Singh. The battalion was positioned on the barren, exposed ridges of the pass, without adequate artillery support or reinforcements.^[8]

The Battle of Rezang Lah lah meaning hill in Tibetan/Ladhaki language was a major military engagement that took place on 18 November 1962, during the Sino-Indian War between the Indian Army’s 13th Kumaon Regiment and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). 120 Indian soldiers of all-Ahir Charlie C Company faced more than 3000 Chinese soldiers and successfully defended the strategic mountain pass of Rezang Lah in Ladakh. Fought at an altitude of 16,000 feet, against overwhelming Chinese forces, the battle saw one of the greatest last stands, with Indian sources documenting more than 1400 Chinese casualties. Major Shaitan Singh, who led the defense, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for his extraordinary bravery. Several other decorations were awarded posthumously to many officers and soldiers of the company.^[6]

During the Sino-Indian War in 1962, Rezang La was the site of the last stand of the Charlie “C” Ahir company^[9][10][11] of 13 Kumaon, consisting of 124 Indian soldiers.^[12][13] According to the official Indian history of the war, the Rezang La picket of Charlie company was located at an elevation of 5,500 metres (18,000 ft), 11 km south of the Spanggur Gap, on the same ridge line as Rezang La.^[14] Rezang La had the drawback that an intervening feature blocked artillery operation, so that the Indian infantry had to do without artillery cover.^[15] The Indian side was led by Major Shaitan Singh,^[16] who perished in battle and posthumously won India’s highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra, for his actions.^[17][18][15]

The Chinese employed human wave tactics, sending up to eight waves against the Indian troop positions.^[19][20][21] Eventually, the Indian position was overrun, and Indian troops were forced to withdraw to high mountain positions. After the conclusion of battle, their valor was recognized by the Chinese, who had covered the bodies of the Indian soldiers with blankets and even placed bayonets over them so that the makeshift covers did not fly off. This mark of respect is exceptional and atypical of practices of that time.

Both sides took overwhelming casualties, though both countries disagree over how many were killed. It is generally accepted 114 Indian soldiers out of a total of 120 lost their lives.^[23][24] However, Indian sources claim upwards of 1,300 Chinese troops were killed in Rezang La alone.^[24][25][26]

Eventually, the Chinese captured Rezang La and Gurung Hill, but was unable to advance further due to Indian reorganization.^[27]

Aftermath

The heroic defense by the Kumaon Regiment became a source of inspiration for the Indian military and the nation. Major Shaitan Singh‘s bravery and leadership were recognized with the posthumous award of the Param Vir Chakra.^[28] The battle is considered one of the most heroic last stands in modern military history.^{[citation needed]}

Legacy

The Battle of Rezang La remains a symbol of Indian courage and determination. Memorials have been erected at Rezang La and at various places in India to commemorate the bravery of the soldiers who fought and died in the battle.^[6]

In 2012, on the 50th anniversary of the battle, veterans and military historians gathered to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers, and the battle continues to be studied as a lesson in mountain warfare.^[29]

The Battle stands out for sheer valour, grit and dogged determination of C Company of 13 KUMAON that fought to the last man, defending Rezang La, under the dynamic leadership of Major Shaitan Singh. Against all odds and grossly outnumbered, the valiant soldiers of ‘C’ Company, 13 KUMAON, repulsed seven attacks by the Chinese, launched in waves. Despite heavy artillery shelling and fierce Chinese assaults, Major Shaitan Singh and his 113 brave hearts delivered the heaviest blow to the Chines

Rezang La War Memorial, Ahir Dham

File photo of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurating the renovated Rezang La memorial in Chushul | PIB

On the death of her husband, Nater Pal Singh of Rajput Regiment, Anguri Devi was granted special pension (SFP) by the Army

Vijay Mohan Tribune News Service

About 60 years after her husband was killed in action during the 1965 Indo-Pak War on the western front due to a mine blast, an 87-year-old war widow has finally got her due pensionary benefits following intervention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

On the death of her husband, Nater Pal Singh of Rajput Regiment, Anguri Devi was granted special pension (SFP) by the Army. In 1972, the government introduced a new policy for grant of a higher amount of pension with retrospective effect covering all operations from 1947 onwards, termed liberalised family pension (LFP).

When the policy was issued, the husband of the petitioner had already died in 1965, but the authorities failed to give effect to the said policy for the widow. Another policy was issued in January 2001 with financial effect from January 1, 1996 granting enhanced death and disability benefits for operational casualties including deaths or disability due to mine blasts.

Under this policy, the kin of casualty cases were entitled liberalised family pension, but the said policy contained a cut-off date that made it applicable only to cases of death or disability occurring after January 1, 1996. On the other hand, in case of civilian casualties, it was made applicable both to pre- and post-1996 cases. The cut-off date of January 1, 1996 was later struck down by the Supreme Court which allowed financial effect from January 1, 1996.

When the widow approached the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), it granted her relief citing a similar case decided by the Tribunal earlier, but restricted the arrears to three years prior to filing of the petition on the grounds that she had approached the court after a delay of 54 years.

She challenged the restriction of arrears on two grounds. First, that it was the duty of the authorities to release her pension themselves and the Supreme Court (SC) had made it clear that such benefits would be granted from January 1996, and second, there was no such restriction imposed in the earlier case on which the AFT had relied to grant her relief, which was also based on SC directions.

Setting aside the restriction by the AFT, a division bench of Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Sudeepti Sharma has ruled on November 29 that arrears would have to be released to the war widow in terms of policy of January 2001.

he fourth edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, known as HARIMAU SHAKTI, commenced on December 2, 2024, at the Bentong Camp in Pahang district, Malaysia. This exercise will continue until December 15, 2024, and is designed to enhance bilateral defence cooperation and improve the interoperability of the Indian and Malaysian armed forces, particularly in counter-insurgency operations within jungle terrains.

The Indian contingent consists of 78 personnel from the MAHAR Regiment, while the Malaysian side is represented by 123 troops from the Royal Malaysian Regiment.

Structure: The exercise is divided into two phases:

Phase I: Focuses on cross-training activities, including lectures and demonstrations tailored for jungle operations.

Phase II: Involves a simulated counter-insurgency operation where troops will engage in tactical drills such as reconnaissance patrols, ambushes, and offensive manoeuvres against terrorist positions.

The primary aim of HARIMAU SHAKTI is to foster interoperability and camaraderie between the two armies, allowing them to share best practices in tactics and techniques for conducting joint operations.

This joint military exercise reflects the growing trust and partnership between India and Malaysia, which have been collaborating on defence matters since their diplomatic relationship was established in 1957. The initiative also underscores a mutual commitment to addressing regional security challenges.

INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, has officially achieved full operational status after completing its final operational clearance. This announcement was made by Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, during a media interaction aboard the naval ship INS Shardul in Kochi.

Vice Admiral Srinivas confirmed that INS Vikrant is now fully operational and integrated into the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy. The completion of various trials and successful fleet integration has marked this significant milestone.

INS Vikrant is a symbol of national pride and represents a major advancement in India’s maritime capabilities. It is the largest ship ever constructed in India’s maritime history.

The aircraft carrier was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. It features approximately 2,200 compartments and is equipped to accommodate around 1,600 personnel, including women officers and sailors.

INS Vikrant Powerful Platform For Projecting Military Power

INS Vikrant, as India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, plays a pivotal role in the Indian Navy’s strategic plans, significantly enhancing its maritime capabilities and power projection.

The INS Vikrant serves as a formidable platform for projecting military power across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond. Its ability to operate a diverse air wing allows for rapid response to emerging threats and ensures a continuous naval presence, which is crucial for maintaining regional stability and deterring adversaries like China.

Two-Carrier Operations: With the induction of Vikrant, the Indian Navy can now conduct simultaneous operations with two aircraft carriers (INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya). This capability marks India’s return to an elite group of navies capable of executing complex multi-carrier operations, thereby enhancing its tactical flexibility and operational readiness in the IOR.

The carrier also plays a vital role in maritime diplomacy. Its presence can influence regional dynamics and reassure allies of India’s commitment to collective security. This is particularly significant in the context of China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

INS Vikrant showcases India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Its advanced systems, including surveillance and fire-control radars, enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities against modern threats, thus contributing to India’s strategic autonomy.

Expansion of Naval Capabilities

The Indian Navy is considering expanding its fleet further with plans for a third aircraft carrier, which would bolster its operational capabilities and ensure sustained maritime dominance in the region. This expansion is critical for countering not only Chinese naval activities but also for securing vital sea lanes essential for trade and energy supplies.

The integration of Vikrant into the Navy’s operational framework allows for comprehensive training exercises that validate its capabilities in various scenarios, from combat operations to humanitarian assistance missions. This versatility is essential for adapting to the dynamic security environment of the IOR.

INS Vikrant is capable of operating a diverse range of aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets projecting diverse air wing capabilities, it also comprises of Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, as well as indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) DHRUV and TEJAS Navy tailored for naval operations.

The Indian Army has recently received its first batch of 480 Nagastra-1 loitering munitions from Solar Industries’ subsidiary, Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL). This acquisition is a significant step in enhancing the Army’s precision strike capabilities through indigenous technology.

The Nagastra-1 is a UAV-based loitering munition that operates similarly to a drone, capable of hovering over a target area and engaging with high precision. The system is man-portable, and light and is intended to be used for precision strike capabilities by the Army troops, officials said.

The Nagastra-1 was developed by EEL, which boasts an indigenous content of approximately 75%. The system was ordered under emergency procurement powers, allowing for rapid delivery following successful pre-delivery inspections.

Specifications:

– Weight: Approximately 9 kg

– Payload Capacity: 1 kg

– Endurance: Up to 60 minutes

– Operational Range:

– Manual control up to 15 km

– Autonomous mode up to 30 km

– Accuracy: Capable of striking within a 2-meter radius using GPS-guided systems.

– Kamikaze Mode: The munition can be deployed in “kamikaze mode,” where it can destroy targets by crashing into them. If the target is not found or the mission is aborted, it can safely return using a parachute recovery mechanism.

– Surveillance Capabilities: Equipped with day-and-night cameras, the Nagastra-1 can conduct reconnaissance missions in addition to offensive operations.

The induction of the Nagastra-1 aligns with global trends in modern warfare, where drone technology plays a crucial role. The use of loitering munitions has been highlighted in recent conflicts, showcasing their effectiveness against various targets, including soft-skinned vehicles and enemy personnel.

Solar Industries is working on the advanced versions of the munition named Nagastra-2 and Nagastra-3 with extended performance and warhead carrying capabilities. A few other Indian firms are also now moving towards developing the MALE indigenously under the defence ministry’s Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category for acquisition.

The Army Service Corps (ASC) and Rajasthan Polo Club won their respective matches on the inaugural day of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh National Polo Trophy being organised at Chandigarh Polo Club, Khuda Lahora, under the aegis of Indian Polo Association….

Tribune News Service

The Army Service Corps (ASC) and Rajasthan Polo Club won their respective matches on the inaugural day of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh National Polo Trophy being organised at Chandigarh Polo Club, Khuda Lahora, under the aegis of Indian Polo Association.

The ACS kicked off their campaign on a winning note as they outclassed Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club (HPRC) 8-4.5. Sepoy Mukesh Gurjar of Supply Corps remained the top scorer with four goals and controlled the game for Services, while Sepoy Ravinder Mang smashed three. Major Qaramat Ali scored one goal. Salim Azmi managed three goals for the losing side.

The RPC defeated host Chandigarh Polo Club 12.5- 4. Col Manoj Dewan gave Chandigarh an excellent start by scoring a goal in the very first minute. However, the hosts faced a massive blow after Jitendra Singh received a major injury. The RPC made a comeback in the second round with the help of trio — Shubham Gupta, Alan Shaun Michael and Yuvraj Singh Ranawat. At the end of the second round, the RPC was in the commanding position with a score line of 9-3. Despite the best efforts of Dilpreet Singh Sidhu and Col Diwan, the CPC lost the match. Shubham Gupta scored the highest eight goals, and Alan scored four. Col Diwan scored three goals for the hosts.

Meanwhile, the General Zorawar Singh Trophy matches for Young Riders will be played tomorrow. The hosts Chandigarh will take on Panchkula in the opening encounter. Remount and Veterinary Corps will play against 61 Cavalry on the second day of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Trophy, followed by a match between Army Service Corps and Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club.

Junaid Ahmed Bhat was a category ‘A’ terrorist

PTI

A Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, allegedly involved in an attack near a tunnel construction site in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gagangir in October this year, was killed in an encounter with the security forces in the Dachigam forest area here on Tuesday, officials said.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the upper reaches of Dachigam on Monday night, the officials said.

The search operation turned into a gunfight after terrorists fired at a search party, who retaliated. In the exchange of fire on Tuesday morning, a terrorist identified as Junaid Ahmed Bhat was killed, the officials said.

Bhat, a category ‘A’ terrorist of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, was wanted for his alleged involvement in the October 20 attack near a tunnel construction site in the Gagangir area of Ganderbal in which a local doctor and six non-local labourers were killed, they added.

“OP Dachigam: In the ongoing operation, one terrorist is killed and has been identified as Junaid Ahmed Bhat (LeT, Category A). The said terrorist was involved in civilian killing at Gagangir, Ganderbal, and several other terror attacks,” the Kashmir Zone Police said in a post on X.

The police said a cordon-and-search operation was underway in the upper reaches of Dachigam, and further details were awaited. Dachhigam, a national park on the outskirts of Srinagar, covers an area of about 141 square kilometres.

The Indian Army and the Singapore Armed Forces, on Saturday concluded a three-day joint military exercise at Field Firing Ranges at Devlali in Maharashtra. The Singapore Artillery and the Indian Army Artillery contingent took part in the joint exercise. Named…

Tribune News Servic

The Indian Army and the Singapore Armed Forces, on Saturday concluded a three-day joint military exercise at Field Firing Ranges at Devlali in Maharashtra.

The Singapore Artillery and the Indian Army Artillery contingent took part in the joint exercise. Named ‘Agni Warrior’, it was the 13th edition of the joint exercise.

It was aimed at maximising mutual understanding regarding drills and procedures to achieve joint efforts as a multinational force under the United Nations Charter. The exercise showcased joint firepower planning, execution and use of new generation equipment by the artillery of both armies.

The exercise involved extensive joint preparation, coordination, understanding of each other’s capabilities, procedures and evolution of common interface between the Indian and Singapore Artillery procedures. It marked the culmination of successful training by the troops of the Singapore Armed Forces, exposing them to intricacies of fire power planning.

The event was witnessed by Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery, Lieutenant General NS Sarna, Commandant School of Artillery and Colonel Ong Chiou Perng, Chief Artillery Officer, Singapore Armed Forces.

Captain Avhilash Rawat has received the 2024 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea for the “extraordinary courage” shown in a Red Sea rescue mission earlier this year. At an awards ceremony at the IMO headquarters in…

Captain Avhilash Rawat has received the 2024 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea for the “extraordinary courage” shown in a Red Sea rescue mission earlier this year.

At an awards ceremony at the IMO headquarters in London on Monday, Rawat accepted the award on behalf of his crew of the oil tanker Marlin. The captain and crew were lauded for the “determination and endurance” they demonstrated while coordinating firefighting and damage control efforts to combat a fire that broke out after an anti-ship ballistic missile struck their vessel back in January.

Alongside, Captain Brijesh Nambiar and the crew of the Indian Navy ship INS Visakhapatnam were conferred a “Letter of Commendation” for the support to Marlin Luanda during distress.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my entire crew for their exceptional courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication; your support and trust were invaluable during those critical hours, and together, we overcame challenges that seemed insurmountable,” said Rawat in his acceptance address.

“On behalf of the Marlin Luanda crew, I would also like to convey our sincere thanks to the Indian, French and US Navies; your timely intervention and steadfast commitment were crucial in guiding us through the most critical moments of our firefighting efforts,” he said.

Asked about security concerns in the Red Sea, which has been the target of Yemen’s Houthis, Rawat noted that the situation remains “tense”.

“I would request that stop sending ships through the Red Sea. My company has already stopped after this incident,” said Rawat, who hails from Dehradun and is a Master Mariner with Suntech Ship Management.

In a message for those considering a seafaring profession, he added: “The life at sea has always been very lucrative. It is a very good profession and youngsters should be encouraged to join at sea.”

“It enables us to know different people, countries and cultures. It instils great confidence and helps one survive in any situation,” said Rawat.

Captain Rawat and his crew were nominated for the award by the Marshall Islands for their brave efforts on the evening of January 26, when the Marlin Luanda carrying 84,147 tons of Naphtha was struck by an anti-ship ballistic missile. The explosion ignited a cargo tank, creating a significant fire hazard with flames exceeding 5 meters.

According to the IMO panel’s assessment, despite the extreme danger and the constant threat of further attacks, Rawat and his crew fought the fire using fixed foam monitors and portable hoses.

After four and a half hours fighting the fire on their own, assistance arrived from the merchant tanker Achilles and later from the French frigate FS Alsace and the United States frigate USS Carney, which provided additional firefighting support, followed soon after by the Indian warship INS Visakhapatnam.

Professionally trained firefighters from the Indian Navy boarded the ship and managed to get closer to the fire due to their superior equipment and their efforts, combined with those of the Marlin Luanda crew, finally succeeded in extinguishing the fire and sealing a significant hull breach.

“Twenty-four hours after the missile strike, the Marlin Luanda sailed to safety under naval escort,” the IMO citation notes. The annual IMO honours are awarded to provide international recognition for those who, at the risk of losing their own life, perform acts of exceptional bravery, displaying outstanding courage in attempting to save life at sea or in attempting to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment.

His rifle recovered from the spot

The body of a village defence guard with a bullet wound was found in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir a day after he went missing, police said on Tuesday.

His rifle was recovered from the spot, they said.

“The body of a VDG member, Ashok Kumar, with a bullet injury was found in the upper reaches of Chapper. However, it remains unclear whether he shot himself or was shot by someone else,” a senior police officer told PTI.

After receiving information, a police team was rushed to the spot. The body was shifted to a hospital for post-mortem. Kumar’s rifle was found at the spot, the officer said.

The post-mortem report revealed that he was shot in the abdomen and the bullet was fired from his rifle, the officer added. A case was registered, police said.