1962 War hero remembered

The 62nd martyrdom day of the hero of 1962 India-China War Major Shaitan Singh was celebrated with full military honours on Monday at Param Veer Circle, Paota in Rajasthan.

He was paid floral tribute by military officers, retired defence personnel and civilians. Forty students of Chopasni School, where Major Shaitan Singh, PVC, studied also reached the memorial in saffron turbans and offered tribute to the brave son of the soil. The granddaughter of Major Shaitan Singh was also present to pay tribute to the braveheart.

Major Shaitan Singh was commanding a company of 13 Kumaon at Rezang La in Jammu and Kashmir at a height of 17,000 feet. On November 18, 1962, Chinese troops attacked his location with overwhelming strength.

The Major dominated the scene of operations and moved from one platoon post to another at great personal risk, maintaining the morale of his troops. Despite being grievously wounded, he continued to encourage and lead his men, who -- following his brave example -- fought gallantly and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. When his men tried to evacuate him, he refused and kept motivating them to keep fighting till he breathed his last. He was awarded Param Veer Chakra (Posthumous).