Sikkim remembers martyrs of September 10, 1967, when a skirmish between India and China took place at the Nathula border. Following escalating tensions between the two countries, a combat that took place in two phases in September and October 1967 resulted in the martyrdom of 65 Indian soldiers. There was fierce combat on September 11, 1967, when Chinese troops opened fire on Indian soldiers who were erecting barbed wire along the boundary, following a period of increasing provocations. Heavy artillery exchanged hands during the battle, and the Indian soldiers responded with considerable vigor despite being taken by surprise at first.
There were an estimated 385 Chinese casualties in the engagements at Cho La Pass and Nathula, which claimed the lives of 65 Indian soldiers. In spite of the heavy casualty rate, the Indian Army managed to hold its positions, and the conflict was a clear Indian triumph that stopped more Chinese assaults into the area. Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay, Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder of the Sikkim High Court, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly M.N. Sherpa, General Officer Commanding 17th Mountain Division Major General Amit Kabhtiyal, and other state government representatives attended this year’s Nathula Day celebration.
Using social media, Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay expressed his gratitude to the brave individuals. “Natu la Day symbolizes the valor and sacrifice of the heroes of the Indian Army, who defend our nation’s sovereignty, often in the most trying circumstances,” he said. I am truly grateful to these brave people on this tragic day. Their unparalleled assistance and ultimate giving will always be remembered. The Chief Minister also seized the opportunity to honor Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He shared, “His visionary leadership revived the Silk route through Nathula and strengthened our ties with China”. Nevertheless, since the COVID 19 pandemic broke out, the Nathula trade route with China has been closed, halting cross-border trade.
