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Key Points

Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur flagged off a 60-biker rally to mark the 59th Nathu La Vijay Diwas. The event commemorates India's 1967 victory over China in the Nathu La and Cho La clashes. The rally will travel through strategic locations including 17th Mile, Nathu La, and Doklam. This year marks the renaming of the observance to Vijay Diwas to honor fallen soldiers.

Key Points: Sikkim Governor Flags Off Nathu La Vijay Diwas Bike Rally

  • Rally halted at 17th Mile before proceeding to Nathu La and Doklam
  • Major General M.S. Rathore attended the flag-off ceremony at Raj Bhawan
  • Nathu La Day renamed Vijay Diwas to honor 1967 war martyrs
  • 65 Indian soldiers died defeating 385 Chinese troops in conflict
2 min read

Sikkim Governor flags off bike rally to celebrate 59th Nathu La Vijay Diwas

Governor Om Prakash Mathur flags off 60-bike rally to Nathu La to honor Indian soldiers' 1967 victory over China. Celebrates 59th Vijay Diwas with tribute.

"The day is of great national pride, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. - Governor Om Prakash Mathur"

Gangtok, September 10

Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur flagged off a bike rally of 60 bikers from Raj Bhawan premises to mark the 59th Nathula Vijay Diwas on Wednesday.

The rally will halt at the 17th Mile tonight before proceeding to Nathula, Cho La, and Doklam.

As per a release, Major General M.S. Rathore, General Officer Commanding of 17th Mountain Division, was also present at the flag-off ceremony. Governor Mathur is scheduled to attend the main Vijay Diwas programme at Nathula on Wednesday.

This day, earlier observed as Nathu la Day, has from this year been renamed as Nathu la Vijay Diwas to pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the 1967 Indo-China conflict.

The Nathu La and Cho La clashes, also known as the Indo-China War of 1967, took place along the border of the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim, then an Indian protectorate.

The clashes began on September 11, 1967, when China's People's Liberation Army attacked Indian posts at Nathula, and continued till September 15.

As per records, 65 Indian soldiers and 385 Chinese soldiers were killed. China later accepted defeat and surrendered Nathu La to India.

Governor Mathur said, "The day is of great national pride, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers."

Cho La, a significant mountain pass, gained prominence during the 1967 Indo-China skirmishes, underscoring its strategic importance in the Sikkim-Tibet border region.

It enchants travellers with its serene alpine beauty, rugged terrain, and historical legacy. Nestled amidst towering snow-clad peaks, this high-altitude pass offers a unique blend of military history and natural splendour. With its tranquil surroundings and stories of valour, Cho La is a must-visit for history buffs, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers seeking to immerse themselves in its captivating landscapes and rich heritage, according to bharatrannbhoomidarshan.gov.in.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful initiative! Bike rallies are such a cool way to honor our heroes. Hope they have safe journey through those challenging terrains. The description of Cho La sounds absolutely breathtaking - would love to visit someday.
A
Arjun K
Respect to our armed forces! 65 bravehearts made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our borders. We must never forget their contribution. The renaming to Vijay Diwas is a fitting tribute.
M
Michael C
Fascinating read. As someone interested in military history, I didn't know about the 1967 conflict. The casualty ratio speaks volumes about the bravery of Indian soldiers. More such events should be covered in mainstream media.
S
Shreya B
While I appreciate honoring our soldiers, I hope the government is also taking care of the families of these martyrs. Celebrations are good but real respect comes from ensuring their families live with dignity and support.
V
Vikram M
The strategic importance of these mountain passes cannot be overstated. Even today, they remain crucial for our border security. Salute to our forces guarding these difficult terrains in extreme conditions. 🙏

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