The Chinese Army (PLA) attacked Indian Army posts in massive strength capturing disputed Himalayan areas along the McMohan borderline in 1962, ending the war a month later declaring a ceasefire and withdrew to its claimed “Line of Actual Control”. Disregardfully, China violated the Panchsheel Pact of peaceful coexistence. The perceived Indian role in Tibet, a grant of asylum to his holiness the Dalai Lama and the disputed International border were the main pretexts for China to launch the 1962 war.
The Indian Army is responsible for guarding the approximate 3,500 km long border with China. The same border which the Chinese infiltrated along multiple thrust lines in 1962. The Indian Army, however, thwarted the Chinese attack with unmatched might and ferocity and gave the Chinese a bloody nose.
An incredible feat of daredevil action came to light when 109 men of the Charlie Company of 13th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, deterred 1,600 Chinese soldiers from occupying the Rezang La, the South-Eastern approach to Ladakh’s Chushul valley — under the sterling leadership of Major Shaitan Singh — fighting till “The Last Man, Last Round” is a testimony of the fortitude, tenacity and mettle of the Indian Forces which was amply on display during the 1962 war.
This Story is part of KNOW YOUR ARMED FORCES Series by Paper Weight Entertainment.