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NATION NOVEMBER 26, 2021 | The Indian Eye 10

IndIa-chIna border dIspute

how india is adding muscle to its military

strength as tension continues to rise

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh says Rezang La Memorial symbolizes India’s stand

of giving a befitting reply to anyone who threatens the country

OuR BuREAu The defense minister appreciated
that the renovation of the memorial
New Delhi
was carried out on the lines of a na-
ndia and China on Thursday held tional-level memorial without com-
a meeting of working Mechanism promising with the original structure
Ifor Consultation & Coordination and sentiments attached to it.
on Border Affairs and agreed on the Asserting that the monument will
need to find an early resolution to bolster the feeling of nationalism and
the remaining issues along the Line encourage tourism, he said that the
of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern renovated memorial will attract people
Ladakh while fully abiding by bilater- from within the country and abroad.
al agreements and protocols so as to He congratulated all those who
restore peace and tranquility. worked tirelessly in harsh conditions
The two sides also agreed that for the renovation of the monument.
they should, in the interim, continue “It was a saga of unparalleled
to ensure a stable ground situation bravery as Major Shaitan Singh and
and avoid any untoward incident. The 113 soldiers had made the supreme
two sides had “a candid and in-depth sacrifice, fighting one of the world’s
discussion” on the situation along the rarest ‘last man, last bullet’ battles.
LAC in the western sector of border Major Shaitan Singh was bestowed
areas at the 23rd meeting of the Work- with the Nation’s highest gallant-
ing Mechanism for Consultation and ry award, the Param Veer Chakra,
Coordination on India-China Border posthumously. The entire project of
Affairs (WMCC). Defense Minister Rajnath Singh pays tribute to the fallen soldiers at the newly revamped Rezang La Memorial was spearhead-
The Indian delegation was led by ed by the troops of Chushul Brigade,
an Additional Secretary (East Asia) Rezang La War Memorial, in Leh on Thursday (ANI Photo) the very same formation under which
from the Ministry of External Affairs. the Armed Forces had defended the
The Director-General of the Bound- memorial is not only a tribute to our had visited Leh in June 2021. In a ma- entire Ladakh sector in 1962,” read
ary & Oceanic Department of the valiant Armed Forces but also a sym- jor upgradation exercise, the renova- the statement.
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs bol of the fact that we are fully pre- tion of the Memorial commenced in The renovated complex includes
led the Chinese delegation. pared to protect the integrity of the mid-July and the complex was ready a double-storied museum, a mini-the-
The two sides recalled the agree- nation. This monument symbolizes within three months for inauguration atre to screen a special documenta-
ment between the External Affairs the Government’s stand of giving a on the 59th anniversary of the battle. ry on the battle, a large helipad and
Minister and the Foreign Minister of befitting reply to anyone who threat- The defense minister paid hom- various other tourist amenities. The
China during their meeting in Sep- ens our sovereignty and integrity,” age to the gallant Indian soldiers Rezang La Memorial, located very
tember in Dushanbe that military and said Rajnath Singh as per an official who fought the battle of Rezang La close to the Pangong Lake in Ladakh,
diplomatic officials of the two sides statement released by the Ministry of and laid wreath at the Memorial. In is set to become a major tourist attrac-
should continue their discussions to Defense. his address, he said, the courage and tion in the coming years, the Defense
resolve the remaining issues along the The defense minister dedicated sacrifice of the Charlie Company will Ministry said.
Line of Actual Control (LAC) in East- to the nation the renovated Rezang always inspire future generations, de- Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh
ern Ladakh, according to a statement La Memorial that was constructed scribing the Rezang La memorial as RK Mathur, Member of Parliament
by the Ministry of External Affairs. in 1963 in the Chushul plains, at an an epitome of the passion, determi- from Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namg-
Also on Thursday, Defense Min- altitude of over 15,000 feet, right at nation and fearless spirit of the brave yal, Chief of Defense Staff General
ister Rajnath Singh said that Rezang the India-China border to honor the hearts of the country. Bipin Rawat, Vice Chief of Army Staff
La Memorial in Ladakh symbolizes troops of Charlie Company of 13 Ku- Singh also lauded the Indian sol- Lt Gen CP Mohanty, General Offi-
India’s stand of giving a befitting reply maon Regiment, who on November diers, who continue to carry forward cer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern
to anyone who threatens the sover- 18, 1962, had defended Rezang La the valor and patriotism of the fallen Command Lieutenant General YK
eignty and integrity of the country. and the surrounding areas located at heroes and protect the country fear- Joshi and other military officials were
The defense minister arrived in over 16,500 feet on the Kailash Rang- lessly. Reaffirming the Government’s present on the inauguration of reno-
Leh, Ladakh to inaugurate the new- es in Eastern Ladakh. commitment of the welfare of the vated Rezang La Memorial.
ly revamped Rezang La Memorial As per the official statement, the Armed Forces personnel and their Those associated with 13 Ku-
at a solemn ceremony at Chushul decision to renovate the Memorial families, he assured them of all possi- maon, including Brigadier RV Jatar
in Ladakh. “The renovation of the was taken by Rajnath Singh when he ble support to fulfill their needs. Continued at next page... >>

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