Rezang La remembered: How 120 Indian soldiers stopped a 3000 strong Chinese assault in a historic battle
The Battle of Rezang La remains one of the most remarkable feats of bravery in Indian military history. Only 120 soldiers from the 13 Kumaon regiment held their ground against nearly 3000 Chinese troops in 1962 and stopped a major enemy breakthrough despite overwhelming odds.
Rezang La, located at an altitude of more than 16000 feet in Ladakh, became the site of an extraordinary act of courage during the 1962 India China war. A company of just 120 Indian soldiers from the 13 Kumaon regiment was tasked with defending the strategic pass. What followed has been remembered as one of the most heroic last stands ever recorded.
The Chinese Army launched a massive assault with close to 3000 troops, aiming to overwhelm the Indian position through sheer numbers. Despite the severe cold, lack of artillery support and limited ammunition, the Indian soldiers held their posts. Under the command of Major Shaitan Singh, the troops fought fiercely, repelling multiple waves of enemy attacks.
Accounts from survivors and recovered documents show that the Indian company inflicted heavy casualties on the Chinese forces. Many soldiers fought until their last breath, refusing to retreat. Major Shaitan Singh moved between posts motivating his men until he was fatally wounded. He was later awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his unmatched bravery.
When relief teams reached the site after the ceasefire, they found most of the soldiers still holding their positions, having fallen while defending them. Their discipline and determination stunned even military historians who described the stand at Rezang La as one of the most remarkable defensive battles ever fought.
The sacrifice of the 13 Kumaon regiment became a symbol of extraordinary courage. The Rezang La memorial continues to honour these soldiers whose heroism prevented a full scale breakthrough and demonstrated the unmatched spirit of the Indian Army in the face of impossible odds.
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