Arunachal: Remembering the Battle of Namka Chu

Battle of Namka Chu

Guwahati: Battle of Namka Chu, October 20, 1962 will always be remembered as the day India proved to the world that its armed forces are a force to reckon with.

Early in the morning, China launched its attack on India by firing two bright flares into the cold winter sky of Arunachal.

Last night, Chinese troops had cut all telephone lines, making communication impossible for the Indian Army.
The Chinese continued their relentless bombardment of Indian posts, heralding the start of the Sino-Indian War.

Hundreds of Indian soldiers lay dead or wounded on the Thigla Ridge across the icy waters of the Namka Chu River.

The massacre is now known as the Battle of Namka Cho and is often referred to as India’s “Day of Reckoning”.
The war began in September with clashes between the two sides in Dhola, Tseng-Jong and Tsingal areas of Thagla.

The offensive turned into a full-scale battle when the Chinese infantry crossed the McMahon Line and established four battalions south of Thagla Ridge.
Notably, the Chinese attacked Indian territory on the western sector of the border, including the Galwan valley, on the same day.

What happened next will forever be written in history as an epic conflict fought under the most difficult conditions, overcoming all odds.

There was no road or track communication, limited ammunition, and virtually no artillery support.

This war was fought against an enemy that outnumbered our forces and was well armed with logistical support.
Despite these challenges, the Indian soldiers fought the battle in such a way that even the Chinese admitted that they suffered the worst and suffered the highest casualties.

Two battalions of 7 Infantry Brigade were moved from Tawang after reports of isolated incidents.

Two battalions awaiting posting at peace stations after completing their tenure in the sector were placed in trains leaving Assam.

They were ordered off their trains and taken to Namka Cho.