Battle of Rezang La

The Battle of Rezang La , also known as Battle of No.8 and No.9 Indian Posts in Ngari (Chinese: 阿印8、9号据点之战) in Chinese narrative, was a military engagement that took place on 18 November 1962, during the Second phase of Sino-Indian War in wester LAC.

To Chinese, it was a major military engagement in the Battle of Bangongluo (Chinese: 班公洛之战), where the reinforced 3rd Battalion of 11th Infantry Regiment was able to capture Rezang La with superior artillery fire in less than 2 hours.

In Indian narrative, it is known that 120 Indian soldiers faced "more than 3,000 Chinese soldiers" and "successfully defended" the strategic mountain pass of Rezang Lah in Ladakh. Fought at an altitude of 16,000 ft (4,900 m), against overwhelming Chinese forces, the battle saw one of the greatest last stands, with Indian sources documenting more than 1400 Chinese casualties. Major Shaitan Singh, who led the defense, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor, for his extraordinary bravery. Several other decorations were awarded posthumously to many officers and soldiers of the company.October 1962, China launched a large-scale offensive against Republic of India in the disputed border areas of Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA). The Indian Army, under-prepared and outnumbered, was tasked with defending these high-altitude regions. Rezang La, a pass located in the Chushul sector of Ladakh, became a key defense point as it guarded the vital airstrip at Chushul.

The defense of Rezang La was entrusted to the 13th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, under the command of Major Shaitan Singh. The battalion was positioned on the barren, exposed ridges of the pass, without adequate artillery support or reinforcements.