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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}} |
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{{Infobox mountain pass |
{{Infobox mountain pass |
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| name = |
| name = Rechin La |
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| other_name = |
| other_name = Rezang La |
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| photo = |
| photo = |
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| photo_caption = |
| photo_caption = |
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| elevation_m = 5500 |
| elevation_m = 5500 |
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| elevation_ref = |
| elevation_ref = |
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| location = [[Ladakh]], [[India]] |
| location = [[Leh district]], [[Ladakh]], [[India]] - [[Rutog County]], [[Tibet Autonomous Region]], [[China]] |
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| range = [[Himalaya]], [[Ladakh Range]] |
| range = [[Himalaya]], [[Ladakh Range]] |
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| coordinates = {{coord|33.4188|78.8494||display=inline,title|format=dms}} |
| coordinates = {{coord|33.4188|78.8494||display=inline,title|format=dms}} |
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}} |
}} |
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''' |
'''Rechin La''' ({{zh|t=熱欽山口|p=Rè qīn shānkǒu}}),<ref name="Panag" /> |
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which was called '''Rezang La'''<ref name="GoI"> |
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[ |
[[iarchive:dli.pahar.3148/page/n1413|Note given by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, to the Embassy of China in India, 26 July 1963]]. "The location of Rezang La (E 78° 51' 10" N 33° 25' 30" [{{coord|33|25|30|N|78|51|10|E|display=inline|name=Rezang La (GoI)}}]) is well known... " |
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</ref> |
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⚫ | </ref> in the English language sources in the 1960s, is a mountain pass on the [[Line of Actual Control]] between Indian-administered [[Ladakh]] and the Chinese-administered [[Spanggur Lake]] basin. The pass is located on the watershed ridge of the [[Chushul Valley]], on its east. China claims that the ridge is the boundary between the two countries, but India's claim line is further east. |
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also called '''Rechin La''' ({{zh|t=熱欽山口|p=Rè qīn shānkǒu}}),<ref name=Panag/> |
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⚫ | is a mountain pass on the [[Line of Actual Control]] between Indian-administered [[Ladakh]] and the Chinese-administered [[Spanggur Lake]] basin |
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About 3 km southeast of Rechin La ({{coord|33.4144|78.8748|format=dms|display=inline|type:pass|name=Rèzàng Shānkǒu}}) is a pass leading to |
About 3 km southeast of Rechin La ({{coord|33.4144|78.8748|format=dms|display=inline|type:pass|name=Rèzàng Shānkǒu}}) on the same ridge is a pass leading to an adjacent valley, which China recognizes as Rezang La ({{zh|t=热藏山口|p=Rèzàng Shānkǒu}}).<ref name=Sina> |
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{{citation |title=Zhōng yìn tǎnkè yí zài bān gōng hú yǐ nán rè qīn shānkǒu duìzhì xiāngjù jǐn shǔ mǐ |script-title=zh:中印坦克疑在班公湖以南热钦山口对峙 相距仅数米 |trans-title=Chinese and Indian tanks are suspected to be facing off at Rechin Pass, south of Pangong Lake, just a few meters apart |newspaper=Sina Military News |date=11 January 2021 |url=https://mil.news.sina.com.cn/zhengming/2021-01-11/doc-iiznctkf1469296.shtml}} |
{{citation |title=Zhōng yìn tǎnkè yí zài bān gōng hú yǐ nán rè qīn shānkǒu duìzhì xiāngjù jǐn shǔ mǐ |script-title=zh:中印坦克疑在班公湖以南热钦山口对峙 相距仅数米 |trans-title=Chinese and Indian tanks are suspected to be facing off at Rechin Pass, south of Pangong Lake, just a few meters apart |newspaper=Sina Military News |date=11 January 2021 |url=https://mil.news.sina.com.cn/zhengming/2021-01-11/doc-iiznctkf1469296.shtml}} |
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</ref> |
</ref> |
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About 3 km northwest of Rechin La ({{coord|33.4440|78.8300|format=dms|display=inline|type:pass|name=Rezang La (1962)}}) is |
About 3 km northwest of Rechin La ({{coord|33.4440|78.8300|format=dms|display=inline|type:pass|name=Rezang La (1962)}}) is a pass that was the site of a [[Battle of Rezang La|major battle]] of the 1962 [[Sino-Indian War]].<ref name=Panag/> The "C" Company of India's [[Kumaon Regiment|13 Kumaon]] battalion( pure [[Ahir]] battalion), made of [[Ahir]] soldiers, fought to the last man in an effort to block the Chinese PLA troops from crossing the ridge into the Chushul Valley. In which 1500+ PLA troops were killed by the 120 Indian Soldiers. |
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During the [[2020–2021 China–India skirmishes]], these passes were again the site of a major face-off between the two nations' armies. |
During the [[2020–2021 China–India skirmishes]], these passes were again the site of a major face-off between the two nations' armies. |
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== |
==Toponymy== |
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[[File:Spanggur Lake basin (US AMS, 1954).jpg|thumb |
[[File:Spanggur Lake basin (US AMS, 1954).jpg|thumb|290px|Map 1: Spanggur Lake basin ([[Army Map Service|AMS]], 1954)]] |
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The old |
The old survey maps of the region label two adjacent valleys leading to the Spaanggur Lake as "Rezang Lungpa". (See Map 1.) The pass at the head of the western valley ({{Coord|33.4188|78.8494|name=Rechin La}}) at an elevation of {{cvt|16420|ft}} is labelled "Rezang La". The pass at the head of the eastern valley ({{Coord|33.3888|78.9290|name=Rezang La|notes=}}), unlabelled in the survey map, is at a much higher elevation of {{cvt|20670|ft}}. |
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In 1963, the Government of India used the name "Rezang La" for pass marked on the survey map, the one at the head of the western valley.<ref name=GoI/> References to "Rezang La" in the literature on [[Sino-Indian War]] in English language, presumably refer to this pass. |
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Chinese sources use the name "Rechin La" for the western pass pass,<ref name="Sina" /> which has also been adopted by the Indian news media in 2020. |
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⚫ | Rechin La as well as the present Rezang La are mountain passes on the ridge line adjoining the Chushul Valley, which China claims as its border. India's claimed border is further east, and it coincides with the border shown on most British and international maps prior to [[Partition of India|Indian independence]]. The [[Line of Actual Control]] (LAC) resulting from the 1962 [[Sino-Indian War]] coincides with the Chinese claim line in this region. |
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From northwest to southeast the LAC passes through the Finger 4 area on the northern shore of the [[Pangong Lake]], the middle of the [[Phursook Bay]]on the southern shore, then the Helmet Top hill, [[Gurung Hill]], [[Spanggur Gap]], Magar Hill, Mukhpari hill, Rezang La, Rechin La and then [[Mount Sajum]].<ref name=Panag> |
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To the north of Rechin La along the LAC are various strategic hill peaks, Mukhpari, Magar Hill, and (after [[Spanggur Gap]]) [[Gurung Hill]]. To the south of Rezang La is [[Mount Sajum]].<ref name=Panag> |
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Lt. Gen. [[H. S. Panag]], [https://theprint.in/opinion/india-sits-on-black-top-with-helmet-under-its-boots-a-1962-tactics-by-china-is-now-likely/498462/ India sits on Black Top with Helmet under its boots], ''The Print'', 9 September 2020. See "Map 1 – Kailash Range Chushul Sector". |
Lt. Gen. [[H. S. Panag]], [https://theprint.in/opinion/india-sits-on-black-top-with-helmet-under-its-boots-a-1962-tactics-by-china-is-now-likely/498462/ India sits on Black Top with Helmet under its boots], ''The Print'', 9 September 2020. See "Map 1 – Kailash Range Chushul Sector". |
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</ref> |
</ref> (Map 2) |
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The [[Chushul]] village and Indian military post are 27 km northwest of Rezang La. |
The [[Chushul]] village and Indian military post are 27 km northwest of Rezang La. |
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== |
==Military operations== |
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{{anchor | Battle }} |
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{{see also | Galwan River#Sino-Indian_border_dispute | l1=Battle of Galwan | Dhan Singh Thapa#Battle_of_Pangong | l2= Battle of Pangong | Gurung Hill#1962 | l3 =Battle of Gurung Hill | Jaswant Singh Rawat#Nuranang| l4= Battle of Nuranang & Sela Pass }} |
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===1962 battle of Rezang La=== |
===1962 battle of Rezang La=== |
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{{anchor | Battle of Rezang La | Battle of Rechin La | Battle of Reqin La | 1962 Battle of Rezang La | 1962 Battle of Rechin La | 1962 Battle of Reqin La }} |
{{anchor | Battle of Rezang La | Battle of Rechin La | Battle of Reqin La | 1962 Battle of Rezang La | 1962 Battle of Rechin La | 1962 Battle of Reqin La }} |
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During the [[Sino-Indian War]] in 1962, Rezang La was the site of the [[last stand]] of the Charlie |
During the [[Sino-Indian War]] in 1962, Rechin La (then called Rezang La) was the site of the [[last stand]] of the Charlie "C" [[Ahir]] company<ref>{{cite book|title=Living Life Loving Life|author=Brig Chitranjan Sawant|date=2021|isbn= 9788184303995 |publisher= Prabhat Prakashan|pages= 150–151 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i7KaDAAAQBAJ&dq=13+kumaon+ahir+Living+Life+Loving+Life&pg=PA150}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Bisht |first1=Rachna |title=The Brave Param Vir Chakra Stories|date=2014 |publisher=Penguin Books Limited |isbn=9789351188056|page=all |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rgEWBAAAQBAJ&dq=13+Kumaon+ahir&pg=PT94 |access-date=15 Aug 2014 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Arora |first1=Dr. N. D. |title=Political Science for Civil Services Mains |
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|date=2017 |publisher=McGraw-Hill Education|isbn=9789352604906|page=all |url=https:// |
|date=2017 |publisher=McGraw-Hill Education|isbn=9789352604906|page=all |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yM8mDwAAQBAJ&dq=13+Kumaon+ahir&pg=PT1990 |access-date=15 March 2017 |language=en}}</ref> of [[Kumaon Regiment|13 Kumaon]], consisting of 124 Indian soldiers.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://penguin.co.in/book/the-battle-of-rezang-la/ | title=The Battle of Rezang la }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/books/reviews/micro-review-the-battle-of-rezang-la-by-kulpreet-yadav/articleshow/89972077.cms | title=Micro review: 'The Battle of Rezang La' by Kulpreet Yadav | website=[[The Times of India]] }}</ref> According to the official Indian history of the war, the Rezang La picket of Charlie company was located at an elevation of {{convert|5500|m|ft}}, 11 km south of the [[Spanggur Gap]], on the same ridge line as Rezang La.{{sfn|Sinha|Athale|1992|p=334}} |
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[[File:LNk SinghRam Singh, Rewari.jpg|alt=Lance Naik SinghRam Yadav, VrC killed 24 Chinese soldiers with his bare hands seeing which Chinese commander kept "Bravest of the Brave" on his body after battle.|thumb|Lance Naik SinghRam Yadav, Veer Chakra, Village Dhawan, Rewari]] |
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The company was led by Major [[Shaitan Singh]], who won a posthumous [[Param Vir Chakra]] for his actions.<ref name="Remembering Rezang La heroes"> |
The company was led by Major [[Shaitan Singh]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raj |first=Neha |date=2023-12-01 |title=Remembering Major Shaitan Singh Bhati: The Hero of Rezang La |url=https://pune.news/trending/remembering-major-shaitan-singh-bhati-the-hero-of-rezang-la-96632/ |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=PUNE.NEWS |language=en-US}}</ref> who won a posthumous [[Param Vir Chakra]] for his actions.<ref name="Remembering Rezang La heroes"> |
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{{cite news |author=Press Information Bureau, Government of India | title=Remembering Rezang La heroes |date=7 January 2007 |newspaper=Sainik samachar |url=http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2007/oct01-07/h4.htm}} |
{{cite news |author=Press Information Bureau, Government of India | title=Remembering Rezang La heroes |date=7 January 2007 |newspaper=Sainik samachar |url=http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2007/oct01-07/h4.htm}} |
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</ref><ref name="Heroes of Rezang La"> |
</ref><ref name="Heroes of Rezang La"> |
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From the Indian point of view, Rezang La had the drawback that an intervening feature blocked artillery operation, so that the Indian infantry had to do without artillery cover.<ref name="Guruswamy"/> |
From the Indian point of view, Rezang La had the drawback that an intervening feature blocked artillery operation, so that the Indian infantry had to do without artillery cover.<ref name="Guruswamy"/> |
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The Chinese employed [[Human wave attack|human wave]] tactics, sending up to eight waves against the Indian troop positions.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news |date=30 October 2022|title=Soldier who won respect of enemy; tale of Rezang La 1962 battle|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/soldier-who-won-respect-from-enemy/articleshow/95174853.cms|newspaper=TOI| access-date= 5 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="Quint">{{cite news |date=21 November 2020|title=The 1962 War at Rezang La: A Story of Raw Courage and Spirit|url=https://www.thequint.com/opinion/india-china-war-1962-heroic-stories|newspaper=Quint| access-date= 5 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="Print">{{cite news |date=22 October 2022|title=Rezang La, 1962: When 120 Indian soldiers fought to the end & wiped out over 1,000 Chinese troops|url=https://theprint.in/world/rezang-la-1962-when-120-indian-soldiers-fought-to-the-end-wiped-out-over-1000-chinese-troops/1176198/|newspaper=Print| access-date= 5 October 2023}}</ref> In the action on 18 November 1962, 114 Indian soldiers out of a total of 120 lost their lives, and more than 1000 Chinese troops were killed.<ref name="Official Page of Army"> |
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In the action on 18 November 1962, 114 Indian soldiers out of a total of 120 were killed and more than 1000 Chinese troops were killed.<ref name="Offical Page of Army"> |
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{{cite news |author= Gen Dalbir Singh | title= |
{{cite news |author= Gen Dalbir Singh | title= Coas Paid Homage to Heroes of Battle of Rezangla |
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|date=20 November 2014 | website = Indian Army |url= https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/NewsDetail/frmNoticeDetails.aspx?ParentID=7/x1LDTCjEC27tHLLhKSLg==&MnId=7/x1LDTCjEC27tHLLhKSLg==&n=bniEtbbo9LN7kb4q3kupGg==&NewsID=YPthZ5C+a0gvZXWTGROrIw== }} |
|date=20 November 2014 | website = Indian Army |url= https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/NewsDetail/frmNoticeDetails.aspx?ParentID=7/x1LDTCjEC27tHLLhKSLg==&MnId=7/x1LDTCjEC27tHLLhKSLg==&n=bniEtbbo9LN7kb4q3kupGg==&NewsID=YPthZ5C+a0gvZXWTGROrIw== }} |
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</ref> A memorial in [[Rewari]], where most of the [[Ahir]] soldiers came from, claims that 1,300 Chinese soldiers were killed in the battle.<ref name="The Indian Express">{{cite news |author=Shekhar Gupta |title='Nobody believed we had killed so many Chinese at Rezang La. Our commander called me crazy and warned that I could be court-martialled' |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=30 October 2012 |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/-nobody-believed-we-had-killed-so-many-chinese-at-rezang-la.-our-commander-called-me-crazy-and-warned-that-i-could-be-courtmartialled-/1023745/0 }}</ref> |
</ref> A memorial in [[Rewari]], where most of the [[Ahir]] soldiers came from, claims that 1,300 Chinese soldiers were killed in the battle.<ref name="The Indian Express">{{cite news |author=Shekhar Gupta |title='Nobody believed we had killed so many Chinese at Rezang La. Our commander called me crazy and warned that I could be court-martialled' |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=30 October 2012 |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/-nobody-believed-we-had-killed-so-many-chinese-at-rezang-la.-our-commander-called-me-crazy-and-warned-that-i-could-be-courtmartialled-/1023745/0 }}</ref> |
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This battle was also important as China declared ceasefire after watching the bravery of Indian soldiers in this battle. |
This battle was also important as China declared ceasefire after watching the bravery of Indian soldiers in this battle. |
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===2020 border standoff=== |
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During [[2020 China–India skirmishes|border standoff]] in summer, the Indian Army deployed troops along the Line of Actual Control south of the [[Pangong Tso]], including at Rezang La and Rechin La. This was said to give them a commanding view of the Spanggur Gap and China's "Moldo sector" (the deployments around the [[Spanggur Lake]]).<ref>Manu Pubby, [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/chushul-tense-chinese-troops-within-firing-range-of-indian-soldiers/articleshow/77881760.cms Chushul tense: Chinese troops within firing range of Indian soldiers], The Economic Times, 1 September 2020.</ref> |
During [[2020 China–India skirmishes|border standoff]] in summer, the Indian Army deployed troops along the Line of Actual Control south of the [[Pangong Tso]], including at Rezang La and Rechin La. This was said to give them a commanding view of the Spanggur Gap and China's "Moldo sector" (the deployments around the [[Spanggur Lake]]).<ref>Manu Pubby, [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/chushul-tense-chinese-troops-within-firing-range-of-indian-soldiers/articleshow/77881760.cms Chushul tense: Chinese troops within firing range of Indian soldiers], The Economic Times, 1 September 2020.</ref> |
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== |
==War memorials (Ahir Dham)== |
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{{anchor | Rezang La war memorial | Rezangla war memorial | Rezang La War Memorial | Rezangla War Memorial }} |
{{anchor | Rezang La war memorial | Rezangla war memorial | Rezang La War Memorial | Rezangla War Memorial }} |
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=== Rezang La War Memorial at Chushul=== |
=== Rezang La War Memorial at Chushul=== |
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{{anchor | Chushul Rezang La war memorial | Rezang La war memorial at Chushul | Rezang La war memorial, Chushul }} |
{{anchor | Chushul Rezang La war memorial | Rezang La war memorial at Chushul | Rezang La war memorial, Chushul }} |
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[[File: Rezang_La_memorial.jpg |thumb|right|Rezang La War Memorial]] |
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The inscription on the War Memorial at [[Chushul]], [[Ladakh]] raised by the [[Indian Army]] in memory of the soldiers who died in the Battle of Rezang La, reads as below.<ref> |
The inscription on the War Memorial at [[Chushul]], [[Ladakh]] raised by the [[Indian Army]] in memory of the soldiers who died in the Battle of Rezang La, reads as below.<ref> |
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{{cite web |title=War Memorial of 13 Kumaon |
{{cite web |title=War Memorial of 13 Kumaon |
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|publisher=Bharat Rakshak |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Galleries/129-5/0521.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202144712/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Galleries/129-5/0521.jpg |archive-date=2 February 2014}} |
|publisher=Bharat Rakshak |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Galleries/129-5/0521.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202144712/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Galleries/129-5/0521.jpg |archive-date=2 February 2014}} |
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</ref> The first four lines are quoted from ''[[s:Horatius|Horatius]]'', a poem by |
</ref> The first four lines are quoted from ''[[s:Horatius|Horatius]]'', a poem by [[Thomas Babington Macaulay]], member of the Governor-General of India's Supreme Council from 1834 to 1838<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/847/847-h/847-h.htm|title=Lays of Ancient Rome|author= Thomas Babbington Macaulay|website=Gutenberg.org|access-date=2016-04-08}}</ref> |
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<blockquote><poem>How can a man die better, |
<blockquote><poem>How can a man die better, |
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Than facing fearful odds, |
Than facing fearful odds, |
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For the ashes of his fathers, |
For the ashes of his fathers, |
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And temples of his gods. |
And the temples of his gods. |
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To the sacred memory of |
To the sacred memory of |
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the heroes of Rezang-La |
the heroes of Rezang-La |
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</poem></blockquote> |
</poem></blockquote> |
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[[Major-General]] [[Ian Cardozo]] writes in his book '' |
[[Major-General]] [[Ian Cardozo]] writes in his book ''Param Vir, Our Heroes in Battle'': {{blockquote|When Rezang La was later revisited dead jawans were found in the trenches still holding on to their weapons... every single man of this company was found dead in his trench with several bullets or splinter wounds. The 2-inch mortar man died with a bomb still in his hand. The medical orderly had a syringe and bandage in his hands when the Chinese bullet hit him... Of the thousand mortar bombs with the defenders, all but seven had been fired and the rest were ready to be fired when the (mortar) section was overrun.}} |
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General [[T.N. Raina]] lauded:<ref name="Tribune India"> |
General [[T.N. Raina]] lauded:<ref name="Tribune India"> |
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Atul Yadav, [http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99nov18/edit.htm Injustice to Ahir martyrs of 1962 war], Tribune India, 18 November 1999.</ref> {{blockquote|You rarely come across such example in the annals of world military history when braving such heavy odds, the men fought till the last bullet and the last man. Certainly, the Battle of Rezang La is such a shining example.}} |
Atul Yadav, [http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99nov18/edit.htm "Injustice to Ahir martyrs of 1962 war"], ''Tribune India'', 18 November 1999.</ref> {{blockquote|You rarely come across such example in the annals of world military history when braving such heavy odds, the men fought till the last bullet and the last man. Certainly, the Battle of Rezang La is such a shining example.}} |
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=== |
===Rezang La War Memorial at Rewari=== |
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{{anchor | Rewari Rezang La war memorial | Rezang La war memorial at Rewari | Rezang La war memorial, Rewari }} |
{{anchor | Rewari Rezang La war memorial | Rezang La war memorial at Rewari | Rezang La war memorial, Rewari }} |
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[[File:Capt. Ram Chander and Hav Nihal Singh, Sena medal.jpg|thumb]] |
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General [[K S Thimayya]] wished for a memorial to be built in [[Ahirwal]] region of [[Haryana]] in the memory of soldiers who were mostly from this area. He felt generations to come would seek inspiration from the immense courage and valour of their forefathers.<ref name="Tribune India"/> Consequently, another Rezang La war memorial was constructed by ''Rezangla Shaurya Samiti'' inside Rezang La Park near [[Dharuhera]] Chowk in [[Rewari]] city in Ahirwal region. Annual memorial function is held by the Samiti in collaboration with district administration, the [[Kumaon Regiment]] and family members of those who died at Rezang La also participate. |
General [[K S Thimayya]] wished for a memorial to be built in [[Ahirwal]] region of [[Haryana]] in the memory of soldiers who were mostly from this area. He felt generations to come would seek inspiration from the immense courage and valour of their forefathers.<ref name="Tribune India"/> Consequently, another Rezang La war memorial was constructed by ''Rezangla Shaurya Samiti'' inside Rezang La Park near [[Dharuhera]] Chowk in [[Rewari]] city in Ahirwal region. Annual memorial function is held by the Samiti in collaboration with district administration, the [[Kumaon Regiment]] and family members of those who died at Rezang La also participate. |
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In every special and cultural events in Delhi-NCR and Rewari the two "bravest soldiers", Capt. Ram Chander Singh and Hav Nihal Singh, Sena Medal, will be chief guests as they tell the story of Rezang La, which gives motivation to young generation about valour of [[Veer Ahirs]]. On 24 February 2023, they were the chief guests on Rao Bal Kishan Shaurya Diwas. They also unveiled the portrait of "Rao Bal Kishan".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/haryana/rohtak/rewari/news/martyrs-day-of-veer-amar-shaheed-rao-balkishan-celebrated-in-nangal-pathani-128254998.html|title=नांगल पठानी में मनाया वीर अमर शहीद राव बालकिशन का शहीदी दिवस | Martyrs Day of Veer Amar Shaheed Rao Balkishan celebrated in Nangal Pathani - Dainik Bhaskar|access-date=14 March 2023}}</ref> |
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==Transport== |
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[[National Highway 3 (India)|National Highway 3]] is the closest NH for this location. One can reach to via Loma Bridge/Loma ITBP Check Post and Mahe Bridge. Both built over Indus river. Distance is 170 km. It meets to [[Miru, Ladakh|Miru]], where proposed [[Bhanupli–Leh line]] will connect. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Sino-Indian border dispute]] |
* [[Sino-Indian border dispute]] |
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* [[Gurung Hill]] |
* [[Gurung Hill]] |
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* [[Yaduvanshi Ahir]] |
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* [[Ahir]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
Latest revision as of 19:40, 26 March 2024
Rechin La | |
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Rezang La | |
Elevation | 5,500 m (18,045 ft) |
Location | Leh district, Ladakh, India - Rutog County, Tibet Autonomous Region, China |
Range | Himalaya, Ladakh Range |
Coordinates | 33°25′08″N 78°50′58″E / 33.4188°N 78.8494°E |
Rechin La (Chinese: 熱欽山口; pinyin: Rè qīn shānkǒu),[1] which was called Rezang La[2] in the English language sources in the 1960s, is a mountain pass on the Line of Actual Control between Indian-administered Ladakh and the Chinese-administered Spanggur Lake basin. The pass is located on the watershed ridge of the Chushul Valley, on its east. China claims that the ridge is the boundary between the two countries, but India's claim line is further east.
About 3 km southeast of Rechin La (33°24′52″N 78°52′29″E / 33.4144°N 78.8748°E) on the same ridge is a pass leading to an adjacent valley, which China recognizes as Rezang La (Chinese: 热藏山口; pinyin: Rèzàng Shānkǒu).[3]
About 3 km northwest of Rechin La (33°26′38″N 78°49′48″E / 33.4440°N 78.8300°E) is a pass that was the site of a major battle of the 1962 Sino-Indian War.[1] The "C" Company of India's 13 Kumaon battalion( pure Ahir battalion), made of Ahir soldiers, fought to the last man in an effort to block the Chinese PLA troops from crossing the ridge into the Chushul Valley. In which 1500+ PLA troops were killed by the 120 Indian Soldiers.
During the 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes, these passes were again the site of a major face-off between the two nations' armies.
Toponymy
The old survey maps of the region label two adjacent valleys leading to the Spaanggur Lake as "Rezang Lungpa". (See Map 1.) The pass at the head of the western valley (33°25′08″N 78°50′58″E / 33.4188°N 78.8494°E) at an elevation of 16,420 ft (5,000 m) is labelled "Rezang La". The pass at the head of the eastern valley (33°23′20″N 78°55′44″E / 33.3888°N 78.9290°E), unlabelled in the survey map, is at a much higher elevation of 20,670 ft (6,300 m).
In 1963, the Government of India used the name "Rezang La" for pass marked on the survey map, the one at the head of the western valley.[2] References to "Rezang La" in the literature on Sino-Indian War in English language, presumably refer to this pass.
Chinese sources use the name "Rechin La" for the western pass pass,[3] which has also been adopted by the Indian news media in 2020.
Geography
Rechin La as well as the present Rezang La are mountain passes on the ridge line adjoining the Chushul Valley, which China claims as its border. India's claimed border is further east, and it coincides with the border shown on most British and international maps prior to Indian independence. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) resulting from the 1962 Sino-Indian War coincides with the Chinese claim line in this region.
To the north of Rechin La along the LAC are various strategic hill peaks, Mukhpari, Magar Hill, and (after Spanggur Gap) Gurung Hill. To the south of Rezang La is Mount Sajum.[1] (Map 2)
The Chushul village and Indian military post are 27 km northwest of Rezang La.
Military operations
1962 battle of Rezang La
During the Sino-Indian War in 1962, Rechin La (then called Rezang La) was the site of the last stand of the Charlie "C" Ahir company[4][5][6] of 13 Kumaon, consisting of 124 Indian soldiers.[7][8] 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.[9]
The company was led by Major Shaitan Singh,[10] who won a posthumous Param Vir Chakra for his actions.[11][12][13] From the Indian point of view, Rezang La had the drawback that an intervening feature blocked artillery operation, so that the Indian infantry had to do without artillery cover.[13]
The Chinese employed human wave tactics, sending up to eight waves against the Indian troop positions.[14][15][16] In the action on 18 November 1962, 114 Indian soldiers out of a total of 120 lost their lives, and more than 1000 Chinese troops were killed.[17] A memorial in Rewari, where most of the Ahir soldiers came from, claims that 1,300 Chinese soldiers were killed in the battle.[18] The Indian side was led by Major Shaitan Singh, who was later posthumously awarded Param Vir Chakra, India's highest gallantry award for conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy.
This battle was also important as China declared ceasefire after watching the bravery of Indian soldiers in this battle.
2020 border standoff
During border standoff in summer, the Indian Army deployed troops along the Line of Actual Control south of the Pangong Tso, including at Rezang La and Rechin La. This was said to give them a commanding view of the Spanggur Gap and China's "Moldo sector" (the deployments around the Spanggur Lake).[19]
War memorials (Ahir Dham)
Rezang La War Memorial at Chushul
The inscription on the War Memorial at Chushul, Ladakh raised by the Indian Army in memory of the soldiers who died in the Battle of Rezang La, reads as below.[20][21] The first four lines are quoted from Horatius, a poem by Thomas Babington Macaulay, member of the Governor-General of India's Supreme Council from 1834 to 1838[22]
How can a man die better,
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods.
To the sacred memory of
the heroes of Rezang-La
114 martyrs of 13 Kumaon
who fought
to the last man last round
against hordes of Chinese
on
18 November 1962.
Built by all ranks
13th Battalion the Kumaon Regiment.
Major-General Ian Cardozo writes in his book Param Vir, Our Heroes in Battle:
When Rezang La was later revisited dead jawans were found in the trenches still holding on to their weapons... every single man of this company was found dead in his trench with several bullets or splinter wounds. The 2-inch mortar man died with a bomb still in his hand. The medical orderly had a syringe and bandage in his hands when the Chinese bullet hit him... Of the thousand mortar bombs with the defenders, all but seven had been fired and the rest were ready to be fired when the (mortar) section was overrun.
General T.N. Raina lauded:[23]
You rarely come across such example in the annals of world military history when braving such heavy odds, the men fought till the last bullet and the last man. Certainly, the Battle of Rezang La is such a shining example.
Rezang La War Memorial at Rewari
General K S Thimayya wished for a memorial to be built in Ahirwal region of Haryana in the memory of soldiers who were mostly from this area. He felt generations to come would seek inspiration from the immense courage and valour of their forefathers.[23] Consequently, another Rezang La war memorial was constructed by Rezangla Shaurya Samiti inside Rezang La Park near Dharuhera Chowk in Rewari city in Ahirwal region. Annual memorial function is held by the Samiti in collaboration with district administration, the Kumaon Regiment and family members of those who died at Rezang La also participate. In every special and cultural events in Delhi-NCR and Rewari the two "bravest soldiers", Capt. Ram Chander Singh and Hav Nihal Singh, Sena Medal, will be chief guests as they tell the story of Rezang La, which gives motivation to young generation about valour of Veer Ahirs. On 24 February 2023, they were the chief guests on Rao Bal Kishan Shaurya Diwas. They also unveiled the portrait of "Rao Bal Kishan".[24]
Transport
National Highway 3 is the closest NH for this location. One can reach to via Loma Bridge/Loma ITBP Check Post and Mahe Bridge. Both built over Indus river. Distance is 170 km. It meets to Miru, where proposed Bhanupli–Leh line will connect.
See also
- Border Personnel Meeting point
- India-China Border Roads
- Sino-Indian border dispute
- Gurung Hill
- Yaduvanshi Ahir
- Ahir
References
- ^ a b c Lt. Gen. H. S. Panag, India sits on Black Top with Helmet under its boots, The Print, 9 September 2020. See "Map 1 – Kailash Range Chushul Sector".
- ^ a b Note given by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, to the Embassy of China in India, 26 July 1963. "The location of Rezang La (E 78° 51' 10" N 33° 25' 30" [33°25′30″N 78°51′10″E / 33.42500°N 78.85278°E]) is well known... "
- ^ a b "Zhōng yìn tǎnkè yí zài bān gōng hú yǐ nán rè qīn shānkǒu duìzhì xiāngjù jǐn shǔ mǐ" 中印坦克疑在班公湖以南热钦山口对峙 相距仅数米 [Chinese and Indian tanks are suspected to be facing off at Rechin Pass, south of Pangong Lake, just a few meters apart], Sina Military News, 11 January 2021
- ^ Brig Chitranjan Sawant (2021). Living Life Loving Life. Prabhat Prakashan. pp. 150–151. ISBN 9788184303995.
- ^ Bisht, Rachna (2014). The Brave Param Vir Chakra Stories. Penguin Books Limited. p. all. ISBN 9789351188056. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
- ^ Arora, Dr. N. D. (2017). Political Science for Civil Services Mains. McGraw-Hill Education. p. all. ISBN 9789352604906. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
- ^ "The Battle of Rezang la".
- ^ "Micro review: 'The Battle of Rezang La' by Kulpreet Yadav". The Times of India.
- ^ Sinha & Athale 1992, p. 334.
- ^ Raj, Neha (1 December 2023). "Remembering Major Shaitan Singh Bhati: The Hero of Rezang La". PUNE.NEWS. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
- ^ Press Information Bureau, Government of India (7 January 2007). "Remembering Rezang La heroes". Sainik samachar.
- ^ Col Dilbag Dabas (Retd) (15 December 2018). "Heroes of Rezang La 1962". The Tribune.
- ^ a b Mohan Guruswamy (20 November 2012). "Don't forget the heroes of Rezang La". The Hindu.
- ^ "Soldier who won respect of enemy; tale of Rezang La 1962 battle". TOI. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
- ^ "The 1962 War at Rezang La: A Story of Raw Courage and Spirit". Quint. 21 November 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
- ^ "Rezang La, 1962: When 120 Indian soldiers fought to the end & wiped out over 1,000 Chinese troops". Print. 22 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
- ^ Gen Dalbir Singh (20 November 2014). "Coas Paid Homage to Heroes of Battle of Rezangla". Indian Army.
- ^ Shekhar Gupta (30 October 2012). "'Nobody believed we had killed so many Chinese at Rezang La. Our commander called me crazy and warned that I could be court-martialled'". The Indian Express.
- ^ Manu Pubby, Chushul tense: Chinese troops within firing range of Indian soldiers, The Economic Times, 1 September 2020.
- ^ "Photograph of the memorial". bharat-rakshak.com. Archived from the original on 28 January 2014.
- ^ "War Memorial of 13 Kumaon". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014.
- ^ Thomas Babbington Macaulay. "Lays of Ancient Rome". Gutenberg.org. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
- ^ a b Atul Yadav, "Injustice to Ahir martyrs of 1962 war", Tribune India, 18 November 1999.
- ^ "नांगल पठानी में मनाया वीर अमर शहीद राव बालकिशन का शहीदी दिवस | Martyrs Day of Veer Amar Shaheed Rao Balkishan celebrated in Nangal Pathani - Dainik Bhaskar". Retrieved 14 March 2023.
Bibliography
- Sinha, P.B.; Athale, A.A. (1992), History of the Conflict with China, 1962 (PDF), History Division, Ministry of Defence, Government of India