As you stand on this hallowed ground and remember those who fought for India’s honor, we ask you to join us in this pledge:
“WALONG WILL NEVER FALL AGAIN” – Courtesy Lohit Brigade
These are the strong words of the Lohit Brigade of the Indian Army who were the ones that put a strong resistance to the Chinese Army in the Indo China war of 1962. Battling under the most treacherous conditions like cold weather, uncertain terrain, outnumbered troops, ‘orders’ that never reached and a slimy enemy the Indian Troops had finally fallen at the hands of the Chinese at the “Battle of Walong”. But Walong was retaken by the Indians and this place has a story to narrate that would put the hearts of all the patriots of Mother India to a soulful cry. Although long forgotten now, the brave and gallant Soldiers of the Indian Army had put in their best efforts even knowing that they couldn’t win this War. No one dared to flee and they stood grounds ’til their last breath in protecting their Motherland. The War memorial at Walong has these words inscribed on its walls that narrate their gallantry:
- “The sentinel hills that round us stand
- bear witness that we loved our land.
- Amidst shattered rocks and flaming pine
- we fought and died on Namti Plain.
- O Lohit gently by us glide
- pale stars above us softly shine
- as we sleep here in sun and rain.”
Walong is located on a the beautiful mountains of the Eastern Himalayas and is a prime location that connects India and China with the beautiful River Lohit flowing across he heart of the town. Walong is also the easternmost town in India. The forest around Walong is rich in wildlife. Rare mammals such as Mishmi takin, Red goral and Leaf muntjac occurs while among birds there is the rare Sclater’s Monal. A flying squirrel, new to science, i.e., Mishmi Hills Giant Flying Squirrel also can be spotted here at Walong. Walong is also one of the strategic locations of the Indian Air Force that has an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) to facilitate movement of the troops across the border. Walong can be visited after you see the Grandeur of an Architecture at the Golden Pagoda Temple at Choukham near Tengapani. You will also cross the holy land of Parashuram Kund where you can see the spectacle of a river in the form of Lohit that arguably has the cleanest waters in India.
Just a 90 minute climb from Walong will reach you to Dong – the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ in India. Dong is the easternmost village in India. The Dong valley is unspoiled and has great natural beauty with a village that has just three huts.
Jungleideas welcomes you to India’s North East to tread along the River Lohit to reach the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ in India and the Soil where India fought China – Dong and Walong, the State of Arunachal Pradesh, Incredible India!
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