Itanagar, Oct 20: In a deeply moving and historic event, Arunachal Pradesh marked its inaugural Martyr Day at the 1962 State War Memorial Park in Neelam village, Keyi Panyor district.
The solemn ceremony paid tribute to the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1962 Chinese aggression, with a special focus on Sepoy Neelam Tebi of the 5 Assam Rifles - the only soldier from Arunachal Pradesh to have made the ultimate sacrifice at Kinjamani Post, Tawang sector on October 20, 1962.
On the occasion, dignitaries including former advisor to the Chief Minister and member, State Core Committee on Unsung Heros, Tai Tagak, 13 Rajputana Rifles Commanding Officer Col Sangam Kumar, Director of Research, GoAP, Sangeet Dube, Lt Col TC Tayum, APSCPCR Member Niri Chongowju, and younger brother of Shaheed Neelam Tebi, Neelam Kecha, paid tribute to the braveheart by laying wreath.
For more than 60 years, Sepoy Neelam Tebi’s story remained hidden, his sacrifice nearly forgotten due to a lack of communication and historical oversight. In 2021, under the "Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" initiative, Tai Tagak, the then Advisor to the CM, and member of Core Committee on Unsung Heroes of Arunachal Pradesh, and Lt Col TC Tayum, a Gorkha, spearheaded efforts to reclaim his legacy.
Through unwavering dedication, extensive research, and close communication with military authorities, they successfully verified Sepoy Tebi’s role in the 1962 war. In 2022, crucial documents, including Sepoy Tebi’s enlistment papers, death report, and citations, were procured from the Directorate General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) HQs in Shillong. These were presented to CM Pema Khandu and Deputy CM Chowna Mein, along with the "Unsung Heroes" core committee, leading to the establishment of the 1962 State War Memorial Park in Neelam village. This memorial stands as a fitting tribute to Sepoy Tebi - the lone known martyr from Arunachal Pradesh - and the 3,500 soldiers who laid down their lives during the war.
The inaugural ceremony not only celebrated Sepoy Neelam Tebi’s heroic sacrifice but also honoured the collective bravery of the thousands of soldiers who fought to protect the nation.
The 1962 War Memorial Park in Neelam village is a testament to their courage and dedication, a place of reflection and inspiration that is expected to become one of the most visited landmarks in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Indian Army, under the leadership of Col Sangam Singh, CO 13th Rajputana Rifles, organized the event. The Army has committed to making future commemorations even more meaningful, ensuring that the sacrifices of these heroes are forever etched in the hearts and minds of the people.
This landmark event symbolizes a significant step in the government of Arunachal Pradesh unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy of its heroes, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten and their stories are passed down to future generations.