The Spear Corps of the Indian Army commemorated Kepang La Day in Gelling, located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district, to honor the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1962 Indo-China War. This significant observance took place with the determination to remember and pay homage to the bravery displayed by both the armed forces and the local villagers in a historic conflict that shaped India’s borders.

A ceremonial gathering was held at the Kepang La Chorten, where a wreath-laying ceremony was conducted alongside a Guard of Honour, acknowledging the martyrs who fought valiantly for their nation. This solemn occasion was further enriched by prayers offered at the Gelling Monastery, signifying peace and remembrance.

The Indian Army also expressed its gratitude towards the villagers, praising their resilience and support during the war. The communique emphasized the importance of recognizing not only the sacrifices of the soldiers but also the courage displayed by the local population, whose unity and bravery played a crucial role during the critical moments of conflict.

Kepang La Pass serves as a poignant symbol of India’s heritage and reflects the sacrifices made on both sides—by soldiers and local residents. The observance of this day aims to honor those who stood resilient at the borders, embodying the valor and unity that are central to the nation’s identity. The communication highlighted that this day is a reminder of the steadfast legacy left by these heroes.

Kepang La is a strategically significant mountain pass along the Indo-Tibetan border, adjacent to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and is positioned near the Yarlung Tsangpo River, widely known as the Brahmaputra River in Assam and the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh. The area has witnessed intense conflict, and during the 1962 war, local villagers played a pivotal role when they identified Chinese PLA footprints near the Nyugong Ri stream. This alert led to a swift response from Indian forces, resulting in a fierce firefight that lasted for eight hours, during which soldiers bravely defended their territory, showcasing remarkable valor and commitment, even at the cost of their lives.

Among the heroes who were martyred during this conflict were subedar Sheikh Subani from the 2 Madras Regiment, havildar B Ramalinga G, and sepoys Murri Raja, Appa Rao, and Ellias. Their sacrifices are forever etched in the memory of the nation, serving as a testament to the courage displayed in the face of adversity.

In a heartfelt observance, the Indian Army marked the commemorative day dedicated to the heroes of the 1962 Indo-Sino War, held in Arunachal Pradesh. This annual event, often referred to as “Kepang La Day,” serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifices made by soldiers during one of the significant conflicts in India’s military history.

The ceremony was replete with tributes to the valiant soldiers who fought fiercely in challenging conditions, providing necessary defense and bolstering national pride. Events typically included a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at various war memorials, attended by serving officers and veterans, as well as family members of those who lost their lives in the conflict. This gathering afforded an opportunity for all present to reflect on the bravery exhibited during the tough days of the war, emphasizing the strong sense of duty that characterized the armed forces.

As part of the celebrations, the Gajraj Corps also took the occasion to honor “Nuranang Day,” which specifically commemorates the exemplary acts of valor displayed by Indian troops at the Nuranang Pass. This site has become emblematic of heroism and enduring spirit in confrontations that underscored India’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity.

The Army’s directives surrounding the observance not only pay tribute to the fallen heroes but also serve to educate younger generations about the historical significance of the 1962 war. Awareness campaigns are integral to these commemorative events, allowing veterans and present serving members to share their experiences and narratives, fostering a deeper connection between the past and the present.

Local government representatives and civilians participated actively in the events, reinforcing the relationship between the armed forces and the communities they protect. The Army reiterated that such events are central to preserving the legacy of those who laid down their lives in service, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten as time passes.

These commemorations across Arunachal Pradesh and other regions resonate deeply with a sense of national pride and remembrance, ensuring that the stories of bravery, commitment, and sacrifice from the 1962 Indo-Sino War continue to inspire future generations of Indians.

Gujarat, India – In a significant move to bolster its disaster management capabilities, the Indian Army is preparing to host Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan 2024, a joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise scheduled for November 18 and 19. This event will take place in Gujarat and will see participation from representatives of nine countries, as well as personnel from the Indian Armed Forces, the Indian Coast Guard, and various Central and State agencies.

The annual exercise is part of the Indian Army’s initiative to promote collaborative strategies for disaster response. This year’s edition features participation from nations including Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the UAE, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Maldives, and Malaysia, enhancing international cooperation in managing disasters.

Key components of the exercise will include a Table Top Exercise alongside a live demonstration of joint disaster response efforts, as well as an industrial exhibition showcasing indigenous HADR equipment. The details of this exercise were announced by the Indian Army through their official social media channels. In their announcement, the army emphasized that the exercise is designed to unite various forces to effectively tackle natural disasters, assess the efficiency of response measures, and optimize disaster management frameworks.

In addition to the participating nations, representatives from around 100 countries are expected to observe the exercise. This includes members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and countries from the Indian Ocean Region, aiming to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration in disaster management.

The exhibition will provide a platform for India to display its indigenously developed defense and HADR equipment to the visiting nations, seeking to explore potential export opportunities in this sector. Participants will have the chance to share best practices, acquire expertise, and collectively enhance their disaster preparedness mechanisms.

This exercise aligns with India’s broader commitment to promoting global disaster resilience. One of the notable initiatives, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit. CDRI aims to build strong infrastructure capable of enduring the challenges presented by climate change and natural disasters, fostering partnerships with national governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, and private stakeholders. The goals of CDRI resonate with India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on creating resilient systems that ensure sustained prosperity.

Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan 2024 stands as a testament to India’s proactive approach in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters. The integration of advanced technology, encouragement of international collaboration, and the use of indigenous resources set a benchmark for disaster management and resilience efforts. As the world confronts an escalating frequency and intensity of natural disasters, collaborative initiatives like Sanyukt Vimochan offer a beacon of hope, ensuring preparedness and prompt response to safeguard lives and infrastructure on a global scale.

In a poignant tribute to the heroes of the 1962 Indo-China War, the Spear Corps of the Indian Army commemorated Kepang La Day at Gelling in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district. The event, held on November 18, was dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers who valiantly defended the nation during a tumultuous period in history.

The ceremony unfolded at the Kepang La Chorten, where a wreath-laying ceremony and a Guard of Honour took place, paying homage to the martyrs whose bravery and sacrifice are forever etched in the memories of the nation. A significant aspect of the observance was the recognition of the steadfast support provided by the local villagers to the Indian Army during the war. This relationship was further symbolized through prayers offered at the historic Gelling Monastery, underscoring the enduring bond between the military and the community.

Attendees included additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Tuting, local school children, and residents who gathered to reflect on the rich legacy of bravery, unity, and cultural heritage that characterizes the Siang Valley. The event served as a reminder of the pivotal role that the region and its people played during the conflict, highlighting the intertwining of their stories with the broader narrative of national pride and sacrifice.

Kepang La Pass, a strategically significant mountain pass along the Indo-Tibetan border near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), holds immense historical and emotional significance for the Indian populace, especially those from Arunachal Pradesh. This area, situated near the revered Yarlung Tsangpo river—known as the Brahmaputra in Assam and the Siang in Arunachal Pradesh—has been the site of many heroic deeds, showcasing the unwavering courage of Indian soldiers tasked with safeguarding the nation’s frontiers.

The 1962 conflict was a critical test of resolve for both the Indian Army and the people of Siang Valley. Villagers from Gelling played a crucial role during the skirmishes, notably when they spotted Chinese PLA footprints near the Nyugong Ri stream. Indian forces responded swiftly, engaging in fierce combat for eight hours to defend their territory, a testament to the valor that runs deep in the region.

Among those who fell in the line of duty were members of the 2 Madras Regiment, including subedar Sheikh Subani, havildar B Ramalinga G, and sepoys Murri Raja, Appa Rao, and Ellias. Their sacrifice, along with that of countless others, continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the costs of war and the spirit of unity that defines the nation. As the Spear Corps marked this day of remembrance, the collective acknowledgment of bravery, both from soldiers and local communities, resonates as a vital part of India’s historical narrative.

A significant tri-service military exercise, known as ‘Poorvi Prahar’, is set to conclude today in the eastern sector near the China border, particularly around Anini in Arunachal Pradesh. This expansive nine-day drill involved an impressive array of modern military technology, advanced weapon systems, and robust air logistics support. Notably, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) also played a critical role in the exercise.

Sources from the defense sector highlighted that the drill showcased India’s defense capabilities, featuring next-generation artillery and integrated operations that provide insight into the future of the nation’s military strength. The exercise included real-time mission scenarios employing state-of-the-art technology such as swarm drones, first-person view (FPV) drones, and loitering munitions.

The exercise allowed the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to effectively demonstrate their skills and coordination through high-complexity operations. These operations were notably supported by new-generation equipment, which was utilized with precision in a challenging environment. Participants included advanced fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, and helicopters such as the Chinook, along with aviation assets like the Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra) and the newly inducted M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer, which were all part of the drill’s displays.

A highlight of the event included the execution of an ‘elephant walk’, a military maneuver in which multiple aircraft taxi in proximity before taking off, indicative of the coordinated efforts between the branches of the armed forces. Additionally, the Rudra-armed helicopters were engaged in live fire training, adapting to various operational roles and types of terrain encountered during the exercises.

To enhance synergy among the three military services, joint control structures were established, aimed at refining a Common Operating Picture. This was bolstered by devices that utilized satellite communications and AI-driven analytics. Senior officers present at the exercise reviewed these structures and mechanisms to optimize inter-service collaboration.

In the lead-up to ‘Poorvi Prahar’, the Indian Army also conducted a mobilization exercise in the Tawang sector that lasted over a month. This previous drill focused on testing weapon systems and was characterized by integrated surveillance and firepower from a range of military units, including special forces and Central armed police forces. Observers anticipate that another exercise to further assess weapon systems is likely to be scheduled soon, building on the momentum of recent military activities in the region.

Fresh violence has erupted in Manipur following the grim discovery of three bodies from a group of six abducted individuals in Imphal. This unsettling situation worsened with the recovery of two additional bodies—a 61-year-old woman and a two-year-old boy—found in a river in Assam’s Lakhipur. Authorities believe these five bodies, which include that of an eight-month-old infant, are connected to a Meitei family that was reportedly abducted by armed militants during a violent clash on November 11 with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Manipur Police in the Jiribam area. A 25-year-old woman, who is the mother of the two children, remains missing.

In a separate but equally disturbing incident, the body of a 27-year-old man from the Kuki-Zo community was discovered in Jiribam, with his hands tied and a gunshot wound to his head. Since the onset of violence on November 7, at least 20 fatalities have been reported in the ongoing turmoil, underscoring the escalating nature of the conflict.

In response to the security crisis in Manipur, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has canceled his election engagements and convened meetings with senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to assess the situation. Enhancing security measures, the Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed to Imphal, where a curfew is in effect alongside an Internet shutdown. Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding of the 3 Corps, along with CRPF Director General Anish Dayal, has arrived in Imphal for security assessments. Lt Gen Pendharkar is scheduled to travel to Jiribam, which has become a focal point for violence, on November 19.

The unrest has sparked outrage and demands for political accountability, with the Congress unit in Manipur urging Chief Minister N Biren Singh to facilitate a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to collaboratively address the escalating crisis. Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has openly criticized the effectiveness of the Assembly’s leaders, questioning their ability to guarantee safety in the state.

Amid the violence, protesters have attacked homes and properties belonging to at least 13 political figures across party lines in the valley districts. Law enforcement intervened to prevent a mob from vandalizing a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Imphal on a recent Sunday, leading to police deploying tear gas to disperse crowds. Authorities report that eight individuals sustained injuries from these encounters, while 23 people have been arrested for involvement in arson and property damage in the affected regions, including Imphal East, Imphal West, and Bishnupur. Police operations have led to the seizure of a pistol, ammunition, and mobile phones.

To facilitate rapid military actions against the rising violence, the MHA has reinstated the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in May for Jiribam and neighboring areas. The ongoing ethnic clashes between the tribal Kuki-Zo-Hmar and the Meitei communities have resulted in over 250 casualties since the beginning of this year, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and resolution in the region.

In a shocking case of digital fraud, a 66-year-old retired Indian Navy officer has reported a significant financial loss amounting to Rs 24 lakh, following a series of deceitful interactions with scammers over just five days. The incident has raised alarm among local authorities and residents in Thane, where the victim resides.

The ordeal began on November 8 when the complainant received a phone call from someone claiming to represent a courier company. The caller informed him that a parcel registered in his name, intended for delivery to China, had been intercepted at the Mumbai airport. The disturbing contents of the parcel allegedly included seven passports, five credit cards, various clothes, and a concerning 400 grams of MDMA, a type of illegal narcotic. The scammers further claimed that the victim’s Aadhar card and mobile number had been misused to book this parcel.

Shortly after this initial call, another individual, who posed as an inspector from the Mumbai Crime Branch, contacted the victim. This caller escalated the situation by alleging that a suspicious transaction amounting to Rs 2 crore had occurred, and that the complainant was implicated, having received a commission of Rs 24 lakh from it. With the pressure mounting, the victim was instructed to prepare for questioning via video call, which led him to believe that he was indeed involved in a serious legal matter.

Under duress and in a state of fear, the victim followed the scammers’ instructions, and on November 11, he transferred the entire Rs 24 lakh to a bank account provided by the con artists. The following day, the scammers escalated their operation by contacting him again, this time demanding that he undress for what they claimed was a necessary body check-up as part of the inquiry. They took compromising photographs during this call, which they later used to coerce him into sending more money.

It was only after this harrowing experience that the victim realized he had been thoroughly deceived. As the authorities continue to investigate the matter, this case serves as a stark reminder of the growing sophistication of cybercrime and the essential need for vigilance among the public.

Local police have urged individuals to be cautious of unsolicited calls and messages, especially those requesting personal information or financial transactions, and have advised anyone facing similar situations to report them immediately. The case has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of existing measures to combat digital fraud and the heightened vulnerability of older individuals to such scams.