An imposing nine-feet tall statue of "Soldier in Silence" was unveiled to mark the 52nd anniversary of the historic Battle of Walong in a simple yet solemn ceremony here today.
The statue has been crafted by renowned sculptor Gautam Pal.
Lt. Gen. Bipin Rawat, General Officer Commanding, Spear Corps, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by civil officials and troops of the Walong Garrison and villagers of the area.
In the autumn of 1962, Walong in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw District, located near the tri-junction of Tibet, Burma and India, was the scene of the Battle of Walong, when the Indian Army's 11th Infantry Brigade battled Chinese advances.
The Indians were defeated decisively by the Chinese because the area was located between 10,000 to 16,000 feet and air drops were the only way to support this sector.
Only Mao's decision to withdraw the PLA allowed the Indians to re-take Walong.
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A canopied memorial to the Indian war dead of 1962 was erected long ago next to the airstrip as a tribute to the 'Never say die spirit' of the martyrs.
The day is commemorated annually to honour the gallantry of the valiant soldiers of the Indian Army who made supreme sacrifices in the defence of the nation during 1962 India-China War, according to official sources.
The statue at "Hut of Remembrance" provided an impressive backdrop to the mesmerising sound and light show organized to mark the event.
It is learnt that the Sound and Light show will be a regular feature for the local civilians, especially schoolchildren and tourists visiting the eastern most bastion of the country.
Earlier in the day, local children, troupes and garrison troops regaled a large gathering to folk dances and music. A medical camp and 'Know your Army' mela was also organized to commemorate the occasion.
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