Gangtok: Sikkim remembers martyrs of September 10, 1967, when a skirmish between India and China took place at the Nathula border. 65 Indian soldiers attained martyrdom in a conflict that took place in two phases in September and October 1967, following rising tensions between the two nations.
On September 11, 1967, after a period of escalating provocations, Chinese troops opened fire on Indian soldiers who were engaged in installing barbed wire along the border, leading to intense fighting.
The conflict saw heavy artillery exchange, and Indian forces, though initially surprised, retaliated with significant force. The skirmishes at Nathula and later at Cho La Pass resulted in the loss of 65 Indian soldiers, with an estimated 385 Chinese casualties. Despite the high toll, the Indian Army successfully held its positions, and the confrontation marked a decisive Indian victory, preventing further Chinese incursions into the region.
The Nathula Day celebration this year had the attendance of Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay Chief Justice High Court of Sikkim Biswanath Somadder, Legislative Assembly Speaker M.N. Sherpa, GOC 17th Mountain Division Major General Amit Kabhtiyal along with State government officials.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay took to his social media to express his gratitude to the courageous souls. He stated, “Natu la Day symbolizes the valor and sacrifice of the Indian Army’s heroes, who defend our nation’s sovereignty, often in the harshest of conditions. On this solemn occasion, I extend my deepest gratitude to these courageous souls. Their unmatched service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten”.
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The CM also took the moment to remember Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He shared, “His visionary leadership revived the Silk route through Nathula and strengthened our ties with China”. However, the Nathula trade route with China has been closed since the outbreak of COVID 19 pandemic bringing the cross border trade to a standstill.
Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted vibrant village initiative which has brought development and essential services to remote border regions, strengthening both security and community.
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