Octogenarian recalls the Sino-Indo War, 1962

If everyone fought for their convictions there would be no war – Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace

Angana Majumdar

The Sino-Indian War between China and India was in October–November 1962. A disputed Himalayan border was the main cause of the war. India never suspected that China would ever launch an attack, but it did. India was attacked on October 20, 1962, in what famously came to be known as the Sino-India war of 1962. There had been a series of violent border skirmishes between the two countries after the 1959 Tibetan uprising when India granted asylum to the Dalai Lama. India initiated a defensive Forward Policy from 1960 to hinder Chinese military patrols and logistics, in which it placed outposts along the border, including north of the McMahon Line, the eastern portion of the Line of Actual Control proclaimed by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1959.

The belief of not ever being attacked by China did not let the Indian army prepare and the result was the standoff between 10,000-20,000 Indian troops and 80,000 Chinese troops. The war continued for about a month and ended on November 21, after China declared a ceasefire.

As India marked the 59th anniversary of the end of the Sino-Indo War of 1962 on 21st November 2021, an octogenarian from Guwahati, Assam shared some facts as far as a memory she could recollect on how the war started and what all happened in the war. Renu Majumdar is an 86-year-old senior citizen from Guwahati. She will take us through a timeline regarding how the Sino-Indo war began and all that took place during its course.

During those days, Renu Majumdar used to stay at 'Behali' near Tezpur, Assam since her husband was posted at Behali Police Station.

"Till the year 1955, diplomatic relations between both the countries were stable. Due to the 'Panchsheel agreement' signed between Prime Minister of India 'Jawaharlal Nehru' and Premier 'Zhou Enlai', the Slogan, "Hindi-Chini Bhai- Bhai" became popular. During that time, Dr Bhupen Hazarika composed the popular song 'Protitdhoni Xunu Moi'. Subsequently, the relations between both the countries deteriorated due to the 'McMohan line'. In the meantime, China occupied Tibet- "the roof of the world". His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama took asylum in India", she says.

In the year 1959, 'Dalai Lama' escaped from his native land Tibet to Tezpur through NEFA. At that time, Renu Majumdar's late husband 'Surya Kanta Majumdar' was serving in Assam Police. Along with the police force, he escorted the Dalai Lama. He brought an abundance of valuable wealth on Yaks and horses. Later, the Indian government helped him to settle in the 'Dharamshala' of Himachal Pradesh. He fought non-violently to bring back peace and freedom in Tibet. He was awarded 'Nobel Peace Prize. In October 1962, China abruptly attacked India and entered our territory.

"After occupying Tawang- Bomdila, the full-fledged Chinese army headed towards Tezpur, Assam. They demolished Indian Defence power with their powerful arm forces. The infamous speech of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru 'My Heart goes to the people of Assam' created chaos among the citizens on the fear of losing independence again", recalls Renu Majumdar.

She further continues, "Tezpur turned almost deserted during that period. Along with other policemen, SP 'Nishinath Changkatoki' guarded Tezpur town. All the offices of the Government of India left Assam. Bank services were terminated. The Indian currency was burnt down by Banks after noting down the numbers and the coins were thrown to 'Padum Pukhuri' of Tezpur. During that time I lost all my bank account documents of 'United Bank of India', although I was able to recover all the documents after three decades. After the appeal made by the Government of India, many Assamese people donated their granaries and women's precious ornaments. No attacks/ tortures were noted by the Chinese army on the local people of Assam. After that suddenly, the Chinese army left our land by ending the war. All the people were delighted after they left. I think China attacked not to conquer, but to demonstrate their military power and also due to severe diplomatic pressures created by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru".

"After the end of the war, remarkable development was noticed on transport and communication of Assam. Bridges were constructed across the river 'Brahmaputra'. The Chinese origin Assamese people who settled down here for several decades were deported back to their original land. Everyone got hurt on this decision of Indian Government", recalls Renu Majumdar.

Similarly 'Bishnu Rabha' along with several communist leaders were arrested and sent to jail. Based on this war, two of the popular songs were composed- "Ae mere Watan Ke logo" by Poet 'Pradip' and 'Koto Juwanor Mrityu Hol' by Dr Bhupen Hazarika. Nehru was saddened due to India's defeat and expired after a few months of this conflict.

Paying Tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our nation in the Sino-Indo war of 1962.

We may not redeem the lives lost but we will always bear them in our hurt.

JAI HIND!

About the narrator: Renu Majumdar was born in the year 1936 in North Guwahati, Assam. She had matriculated from Gauhati University. A logical woman who is a book lover keeps updating herself with the latest news around the world. She is also an active social media user even in her mid-80s. She is an adventurous woman and also in the year 2020 on the day of International Women's Day (8 March), she has visited 'Mayodia Pass' which is located in Arunachal Pradesh near the China Border, with an elevation of 2,655 m above sea level. She currently leads a happy, peaceful life and stays at Guwahati, Assam with her children and grandchildren.