Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today inaugurated a renovated Rezang La Memorial and paid homage to the gallant Indian soldiers on the 59th anniversary of the battle of Rezang La at Chushul in Ladakh.
The memorial was constructed in 1963 in the Chushul plains, at an altitude of over 15,000 feet, right at the India-China border to honour the troops of Charlie Company of 13 Kumaon Regiment, who on November 18, 1962, had defended Rezang La and the surrounding areas located at over 16,500 feet on the Kailash ranges in eastern Ladakh.
The decision to renovate the memorial was taken by Singh when he had visited Leh in June 2021. In a major upgradation exercise, the renovation commenced in mid-July and the complex was ready within three months for inauguration.
रेज़ांग ला मेमोरियल भारत की सेना के शौर्य, पराक्रम एवं बलिदान का प्रतीक है। pic.twitter.com/uH7KCM5X64
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 18, 2021
The entire renovation project was spearheaded by the troops of Chushul Brigade, the very same formation under which the armed forces had defended the entire Ladakh sector in 1962.
The renovated complex includes a double-storied museum, a mini-theatre to screen a special documentary on the battle, a large helipad and various other tourist amenities. Located very close to the Pangong lake in Ladakh, it is set to become a major tourist attraction in the coming years.
Describing the memorial as an epitome of the passion, determination and fearless spirit of the bravehearts of the country, Singh, in his address, said that the courage and sacrifice of the Charlie Company will always inspire the future generations.
"The renovation of the memorial is not only a tribute to our valiant armed forces but also a symbol of the fact that we are fully prepared to protect the integrity of the nation. This monument symbolises the government's stand of giving a befitting reply to anyone who threatens our sovereignty and integrity," said the Defence Minister.
He appreciated that the renovation of the memorial was carried out on the lines of a national-level memorial without compromising with the original structure and sentiments attached to it. The renovated memorial will attract people and bolster the feeling of nationalism and encourage tourism.
Those associated with 13 Kumaon, including Brigadier RV Jatar (Retd) who had participated in the battle as a Captain; Major Shaitan Singh's son Narpat Singh Bhati and the family of the then Commanding Officer of 13 Kumaon, Lt Col HS Dhingra and other veterans attended the event and were felicitated.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh RK Mathur, Ladkah's Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen CP Mohanty, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General YK Joshi and other military officials were also present at the inauguration ceremony today.
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