Arunachal Pradesh is developing a ₹5 crore war memorial in Keyi Panyor district to honour Neelam Tebi, an Assam Rifles jawan who died fighting Chinese forces during the 1962 India-China War. The memorial will recognise Tebi’s courage and commemorate the sacrifices of Indian soldiers who defended the country. Spread across approximately 45,000 square metres, the proposed site will feature a cenotaph, a statue of Tebi, a wall of fame and a museum-cum-armoury hall.
The state government has allocated ₹5 crore for the first phase of construction. The initiative also reflects the local community’s commitment to preserving the legacy of a soldier whose contribution remained relatively unknown for years.
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Key Facts About the Neelam Tebi War Memorial
- Location: Keyi Panyor district, Arunachal Pradesh
- Project cost: ₹5 crore for the first phase
- Memorial area: Approximately 45,000 square metres
- War hero: Neelam Tebi of the Assam Rifles
- Historical event: 1962 India-China War
- Date of death: October 20, 1962
- Village: Nyelam village, Lower Subansiri district
- Land contribution: Residents of Nyelam village through the local Neelam society
- Proposed facilities: Cenotaph, statue, museum, wall of fame, gardens and viewpoints
Neelam Tebi’s Sacrifice During the 1962 India-China War
Neelam Tebi served with the 5 Assam Rifles during the 1962 India-China War. He lost his life while fighting Chinese forces in the Kameng sector during the Chinese offensive.
According to military officials, Tebi sustained injuries on October 19, 1962, and died the following day, October 20. The memorial project has gained attention on the 64th anniversary of his death.
Tebi hailed from Nyelam village in the present-day Lower Subansiri district. His sacrifice represents the courage of Indian soldiers who defended the country’s territorial integrity under difficult circumstances.
Army and ITBP Personnel Pay Tribute
On October 20, personnel from the Indian Army’s 19th Battalion of the Jat Regiment, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and local dignitaries gathered at the proposed memorial site to honour Tebi.
Commandant Thanglian Mang of the 60th ITBP Battalion recalled the jawan’s courage during the Chinese advance. He highlighted the importance of preserving the memory of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of India.
Similarly, Major Bhanu Mahesh of the 19th Battalion, Jat Regiment, paid tribute to Tebi’s determination to fight despite overwhelming odds. He noted that the memorial would help recognise the sacrifices made during the 1962 war.
The commemorative initiative aims to bring greater public recognition to Tebi’s contribution and preserve his story for future generations.
What Will the ₹5 Crore War Memorial Include?
The proposed memorial will cover approximately 45,000 square metres and feature several facilities dedicated to India’s military history.
The first phase will include a cenotaph, a wall of fame displaying the names of martyrs, a museum-cum-armoury hall and a statue of Neelam Tebi.
In addition, the site is planned to have an entrance gate, an approach road, viewpoints, landscaped gardens, a cafeteria and parking facilities. Later phases are expected to include an armoured tank and a helicopter display.
These features are intended to create a place where visitors can learn about the 1962 India-China War and pay tribute to the soldiers who defended the nation.
Local Community Donates Land for the Project
Residents of Nyelam village have donated land for the memorial through the local Neelam society. Their contribution highlights the community’s role in preserving Tebi’s legacy and honouring his service to the country.
The initiative also reflects a broader effort in Arunachal Pradesh to strengthen public awareness of India’s military history. The state shares a sensitive international border with China and holds important historical links to the 1962 conflict.
Military officials hope the memorial will attract visitors interested in India’s defence history. It could also complement established military memorials at Tawang and Walong, which commemorate the sacrifices of Indian soldiers during the conflict.
Questions and Answers
What is Arunachal Pradesh building?
The state is developing a ₹5 crore war memorial in Keyi Panyor district to honour Assam Rifles jawan Neelam Tebi.
Who was Neelam Tebi?
Neelam Tebi was an Assam Rifles soldier from Nyelam village who died fighting Chinese forces during the 1962 India-China War.
When did Neelam Tebi die?
He died on October 20, 1962, after sustaining injuries the previous day.
What facilities will the memorial have?
The proposed facilities include a cenotaph, a statue, a wall of fame, a museum-cum-armoury hall, landscaped gardens and viewpoints. Later phases may add an armoured tank and a helicopter.
Why is the memorial important?
The project will preserve the memory of Neelam Tebi, recognise the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and promote awareness of the 1962 war.
The proposed memorial is an important initiative to honour India’s fallen soldiers while preserving Arunachal Pradesh’s military heritage for future generations.
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