At the same time as India has made it clear that Chinese haven’t entered the Indian territory or captured any posts, on the ground in Ladakh, the veterans and porters who’ve stood to external aggressions in the past say if need be they’re able to fight for the nation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
In Ladakh veterans who played a pivotal role within the earlier escalations with China and Pakistan are reminiscing about the times passed by. They are saying they may not be in service anymore however their passion to serve the nation remain strong as ever.
Veteran Honorary Captain Tashi Chhepal contributed in evicting the Pakistanis from the mountain peaks during the Kargil conflict. A feat that received him the Vir Chakra. He says the present stand-off has stark similarities with the 1999 Kargil conflict. He’s offended about the loss of 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan valley.
“Throughout the 1962 China conflict, we did not have sufficient gear, however now we have a really superior military,” he says. “It’s sad though those troopers got killed in the Galwan Valley.”
He stated the soldiers should have the complete liberty to make use of arms once they come under such aggression.
“If the jawans do not use these weapons when they’re getting killed, when would they?” he requested.
Ladakhis have scripted stories of bravery and valor fighting as common soldiers or as volunteers serving to move materials on the mountain tops and stand against the adversary be it the Indo-China conflict of 1962 or the Kargil battle of 1999.
Retired Hawaldar Tsering Angdus stated he served the military for 22 years and has patrolled the Galwan Valley and different sensitive spots at the LAC in the past.
He says China always had its eyes mounted on the Indian territories at the LAC however India will never permit the Chinese to infringe on its sovereignty.
He says if orders come by he’ll fight shoulder to shoulder with the military.
“I’m trained in using weapons, whenever the need arises I would be able to serve my nation once more on the frontline,” he stated.
