Leh: Indian officials and authorities have assured the country that no part of India has been captured by the Chinese army. However, the ground reality of Ladakh have made the veterans of the Indian army to stand against its enemy once again. They said that if needed, they are ready to fight for their nation at the Line Of Actual Control (LAC).
These are the porters who gave a tough fight to the opponents in the past, playing a vital role in the victories. The veterans in Ladakh, during sensitive times like these, are reminiscing the many times they stood for their country against China and Pakistan. Although they have retired, they say that their inner rage and strength to serve the country is still burning. These brave soldiers who have proved their love for India have said that if and when their services are required, they will be honoured to serve the country again.
Veteran Honorary Captain TashiChhepalhad a pivotal part in forcing outthe Pakistani army from the mountain peaks during the Kargilwar. This invaluable deed of his earned him the Vir Chakra. He says that the present situation is very similar to the Kargil conflict of 1999. He expressed his anger and disappointment regarding the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley during the face-off with the Chinese soldiers.
“During 1962 China war, we didn’t have enough equipment, but we have a very advanced army,” he says. “It is sad though that soldiers got killed in the Galwan Valley.”
The Vir Chakra awardee said that he firmly believes that soldiers should be given complete liberty and permission to resort to weapons and utilise them when required in such situations of aggression and violence for defenceand attack.
“If the jawans don’t use these weapons when they are getting killed, when would they?” he asked.
Right from the Indo-China war in 1962 to the battle of Kargil in 1999 and all the other conflicts in the Indian history, Ladakhis have always ensured that their nation’s flag flies high, writing their own stories of bravery and courage in times of utmost need. They fought as vital and regular soldiers, and even contributed as volunteers to help move materials on the mountain peaks against the rivals.
Retired HawaldarTseringAngdus said he served the army for 22 years and has patrolled the Galwan Valley and other sensitive areas at the LAC in his term in the army.
He says China always had its eyes fixed on the Indian territories at the LAC, trying all it can to capture our spots but India has never allowed the Chinese forces to fulfil its agenda of occupying the Indian soil and will continue to protect its motherland with all the power it has.
He says if orders come by he will fight shoulder to shoulder with the army.
“I am trained in using weapons, whenever need arises I would be ready to serve my country again on the frontline,” he said.
As the world sees a war of its own with the virus, India is going through sensitive and crucial times.
