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Sikkim commemorated the 58th 'Nathu La Day' on Wednesday, paying tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1967 India-China conflict.

 

Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Major General Amit Kabhtiyal, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 17th Mountain Division, attended a ceremony held at the Sherathang War Memorial at Nathu La Pass.

 

During the event, Governor Mathur described 'Nathu La Vijay Diwas' as a day of immense pride and importance. He emphasized the need to produce a film to honor and remember the victorious Nathu La Day of 1967.

 

"Such a film would inspire the youth to join the armed forces and deeply instill the significance of Nathu La Victory Day in people's hearts and minds," he said.

 

Chief Minister Tamang, addressing the gathering, announced that from next year, 'Nathu La Day' would be officially celebrated as 'Nathu La Vijay Diwas.'

 

"Nathu La Day represents the valor and sacrifice of the brave soldiers of the Indian Army, who defend our nation's sovereignty in some of the most challenging conditions," he stated.

 

 

What happened in Nathu La? 

Shortly after the humiliating defeat in the 1962 Sino-Indian War, India and China clashed again in 1967. This time, however, the results were vastly different.

The 1967 skirmishes at Nathu La and Cho La were pivotal moments for India’s military, political leadership, and national morale. These clashes showed the strength and resolve of the Indian Army and helped erase the psychological scars left by the 1962 defeat.

• Dates and duration: The Nathu La clashes began on September 11, 1967, when China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched an attack on Indian posts at Nathu La. The clashes continued until September 15, 1967. The second clash took place at Cho La on October 1, 1967, and ended on the same day.
• Outcome: India achieved a decisive tactical advantage by holding its position and pushing back Chinese forces. Many PLA fortifications at Nathu La were destroyed, signaling a clear victory for India.

Key Indian military figures

The Indian Army's leadership played a crucial role in these skirmishes. Key figures included:

• Maj Gen Sagat Singh rathore: The divisional commander of the 17th Mountain Division who played a pivotal role in the decision to use artillery against Chinese positions.
• Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora: The Corps Commander during the clashes.
• Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: Then Lt Gen, he was the Eastern Army Commander who later played a decisive role in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.

These three military leaders were instrumental in India's defense strategy and would later contribute significantly to India's victory in the 1971 war, with Maj Gen Sagat Singh leading his men to capture Dhaka.

What led to the clash?

• The McMahon Line: The international border between India and China is defined by the McMahon Line, drawn along the highest mountain peaks of the Himalayas. This line was agreed upon by Tibet and British India, but after China's annexation of Tibet in 1950, Beijing refused to accept the McMahon Line as the boundary.
• Escalating tensions: Small skirmishes continued between Indian and Chinese troops in the border areas. To avoid these skirmishes, Maj Gen Sagat Singh decided to fence the area around Nathu La. This move was met with objections from the Chinese Commissar, a representative of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) stationed with troops, leading to heightened tensions and eventually to a full-scale clash.

The clash: A battle of wills

• Initial confrontation: The fencing work began on August 20, 1967. On August 23, about 75 Chinese soldiers in battle dress advanced toward Nathu La, stopping at the border. The Chinese issued a stern warning on September 10 to India, holding it responsible for "grave consequences" in case of continued "provocative intrusions."
• The day of the clash: On September 11, the Chinese Commissar confronted Lt. Col. Rai Singh Yadav, who was overseeing the fencing work. When the Indian soldiers refused to halt, the situation escalated. Within minutes, a whistle was blown from the Chinese side, followed by a medium machine gun firing directed at Indian troops, resulting in heavy casualties for India.

Indian response and the use of artillery

• Decisive artillery strike: Despite heavy losses and the initial lack of authorization to use artillery, Maj Gen Sagat Singh decided to use it against the Chinese positions. This decision was later backed by Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• Five days of battle: The clashes lasted five days, involving intense artillery, mortar, and machine gun exchanges. Due to the Indian Army's advantageous position, holding higher ground at Sebu La and Camel’s Back, they were able to destroy many Chinese bunkers. The corpses of fallen soldiers were exchanged on September 15 and 16.

Chinese propaganda and psychological warfare

• Threats and warnings: During the 1967 clashes, China’s foreign ministry sent warnings to the Indian embassy, threatening India with "grave consequences" if it did not cease "provocative activities." Similar rhetoric was employed during the Doklam standoff decades later.
• India’s firm stance: India's Ministry of External Affairs responded firmly, stating that the Sikkim-Tibet border was a well-defined international border recognised by China. The Indian government made it clear that any escalation would be met with a strong response.

Chinese silence on the 1967 clashes

Unlike the repeated mentions of the 1962 war, China remains silent on the 1967 clashes at Nathu La. The reason is simple: India delivered a decisive blow that shattered the myth of Chinese military invincibility.

China’s reluctance to honor its fallen soldiers, whether in the 1967 clashes, the Vietnam War in 1978, or the recent Galwan clash, speaks volumes about its approach to war and propaganda.

Results and impact of the clashes

• Casualties and aftermath: According to accounts, India lost over 70 soldiers, while Chinese casualties were estimated to be over 400. This marked a serious blow to the Chinese military and was a significant morale booster for India. After the 1962 war, the 1967 victory instilled a sense of confidence in both the military and political leadership of India.
• Military and political lessons: The clashes demonstrated the importance of strong military leadership and decisive political will. With leaders like Maj Gen Sagat Singh, Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India showcased its ability to defend its sovereignty.

Recognition of bravery

For their bravery during the conflict, several Indian soldiers were awarded high honors:

• Mahavir Chakra: Brigadier Rai Singh Yadav, Lt Col Mahatam Singh, and Maj Harbhajan Singh (Posthumous)
• Vir Chakra: Captain Prithvi Singh Dagar (Posthumous), Havaldar Lakhsmi Chand (Posthumous), Sepoy Gokal Singh

A new India emerges

The Nathu La clashes of 1967 are a testament to India's resolve and its military prowess. The Indian Army's victory not only shattered the post-1962 inferiority complex but also laid the groundwork for a more assertive Indian foreign policy.

 

With a strong political and military leadership, India showed its capability to stand up to any adversary, a stance that has only strengthened in the decades since.

 

Today, India's military is better equipped, better trained, and better prepared to handle any contingencies along its borders.