The Heroic Stand at Bumla Pass: How Subedar Joginder Singh's Supreme Sacrifice Continues to Inspire India's Border Defense

Subedar Joginder Singh and his men defended India valiantly until their last breath at Bumla Pass.

Situated at an elevation of 15,200 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, Bumla Pass marks the historic site where NDTV recently journeyed. It was here on October 23, 1962, that Chinese forces launched their attack on Indian territory.

The courageous defense mounted by Indian soldiers then continues today, as troops remain vigilant at this extreme altitude regardless of harsh weather conditions or challenging terrain.

The heroic tale of Subedar Joginder Singh and his men's ultimate sacrifice at Bumla Pass remains legendary. For his extraordinary valor, Subedar Singh was posthumously awarded India's highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra.

Present-day Indian forces maintain constant vigilance in this strategic area, positioned just a short walking distance from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Observers can identify a distinctive ridge and thumb-shaped formation within Indian territory, beyond which lie Chinese forward positions.

Beyond its military significance, Bumla Pass serves as one of five designated flag meeting points between Indian and Chinese military officials, hosting nine such meetings annually.

Visitors to Bumla Pass will encounter a commemorative statue of Subedar Singh, honoring his sacrifice.

During the October 23, 1962 attack, when Chinese forces descended from the nearby ridge, Subedar Singh and his unit mounted a fierce resistance despite being heavily outnumbered.

With most of his men wounded or killed and himself severely injured, Subedar Singh seized a light machine gun and continued firing across the battlefield, inflicting significant casualties upon the advancing Chinese troops.

After exhausting their ammunition, Subedar Singh and his surviving men emerged from their defensive positions with bayonets fixed, advancing toward the enemy while shouting the traditional Sikh battle cry: "Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal." They fought until their final moments.

A procession of motorcycles bearing the Indian national flag recently arrived at Bumla Pass to honor Subedar Singh and his men who sacrificed everything in defense of their nation.

The date marks a solemn anniversary for Bumla Pass, commemorating the Chinese attack of October 23, 1962, when numerous brave Indian soldiers gave their lives protecting their homeland.

"I feel immensely proud. I had been planning this journey for a very long time but hadn't found the opportunity to visit with my son. It's truly a moment of pride to reach this altitude and witness it firsthand," a visitor shared with NDTV.

"I simply want to express gratitude to all the jawans stationed here guarding our border. I'm deeply thankful for their protection of our country," she added.

While October weather proved relatively mild during NDTV's visit, Bumla Pass typically experiences several feet of snowfall during peak winter months.

Another visitor remarked that everyday patriotism intensifies when visiting locations where significant military historical events unfolded.

"We always carry this feeling for our country. We've visited Nathula Pass as well," the visitor noted, adding that soldiers work tirelessly around the clock. "Our gratitude cannot be adequately expressed in words."

A female tourist mentioned seeing the China border for the first time during her visit to Bumla Pass.

NDTV also encountered a family at the site who expressed their appreciation for the soldiers' service to the nation.

"When January and February arrive, snowfall here is measured not in inches but in feet. Last season, for example, we received two feet of snow. Yet while we would have returned to our homes in the heartland, these soldiers remain stationed here," a visitor explained to NDTV.

Subedar Singh's legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers who follow in his footsteps, defending India despite the challenging terrain and extreme conditions.