Patna: Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs of the Galwan Valley on the occasion of the 16 Bihar Battalion Raising Day at the Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC), Danapur, on Wednesday. The ceremony commemorated the sacrifice of the soldiers who laid down their lives during the violent clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh on June 15, 2020.BRC commandant Brig Rakesh Kumar Bora said the martyrs, led by Colonel B Santosh Babu, belonged to the 16 Bihar Battalion. In the fierce confrontation in the Galwan Valley, 20 Indian Army personnel made the ultimate sacrifice, displaying exceptional bravery and unwavering devotion to duty.
The 16 Bihar Battalion was raised on Feb 11, 1985, under the command of Major H D Salonke. Colonel S K Puri later assumed command on Aug 10, 1985. Over the years, the battalion earned the distinguished sobriquet “Kohinoor Diamond” for its exemplary courage and outstanding performance in both conflict zones and peacetime operations, Bora added.On the occasion, Brig Rakesh Kumar Bora, Colonel Kunal Sharma and Subedar Major Bipin Pradhan paid heartfelt tributes to the fallen heroes. Floral wreaths were laid at the war memorial, and a moment of silence was observed in honour of the martyrs, a senior BRC official said.Addressing the gathering, senior officers recalled the indomitable spirit, dedication and supreme sacrifice of the soldiers. They reaffirmed the regiment’s unwavering commitment to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army.The ceremony concluded with officers and jawans taking a renewed pledge to carry forward the legacy of courage and sacrifice that defines the 16 Bihar Battalion, whose valour continues to inspire generations, sources said.
