KTR unveils Galwan hero Col. Santhosh Babu's statue in Suryapet

People broke into tears as emotions ran high after the 10-feet bronze statue was unveiled on the anniversary of the Galwan incident. The junction where the statue has been erected has been named Col. Santhosh Babu Chowrastha. Col. Santhosh Babu's family also attended the programme.

Earlier on 26 January, Colonel B. Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar regiment who was killed by the Chinese army at Galwan Valley in Ladakh in June last year, was awarded the Mahavir Chakra, the second-highest wartime gallantry award.

Around 20 soldiers were martyred in the violent standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies at Galwan Valley in June 2020. The slain included Colonel Santosh Babu from Telangana.

During Operation Snow Leopard, Colonel Santosh Babu was tasked to establish an observation post. Organizing and briefing his troops about the situation with a sound plan, he successfully executed the task. While holding the position, his column faced stiff resistance from the adversary who attacked using lethal and sharp weapons along with heavy stone pelting from adjoining heights. Undaunted by the violent and aggressive action by the overwhelming strength of enemy soldiers, the officer in the true spirit of service before self, continued to resist the enemy's attempt to push back Indian troops.

India shares a 3,488-km border with China while Ladakh shares 646 km of the LAC with the neighboring country. Jammu and Kashmir is the only place in the country which shares its borders with both Pakistan and China. Leh-based 14 corps of the Army is responsible for the security of LAC, Line of Control (LoC), and Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) at Siachen.