Korean war: Seoul commemorates India’s paratrooper Lt Col AG Rangaraj as 'War Hero'

As Seoul marked 71st anniversary of Korean War (June 1950 to July 1953), it honoured India’s first paratrooper Lt Col AG Rangaraj as ‘Korean War Hero For Month’ on July 10. Photographs of n commander of 60th Parachute Field Ambulance of Indian Army were displayed at various locations including Korean War Memorial to commemorate his significant contribution as he h treated more than two lakh war casualties during Korean conflict. Seoul revisited India’s much-overlooked but significant role in accelerating United Nations (UN) led resolution to bring conflict to end.  

country highlighted less talked about efforts of India’s Permanent Representative to United Nations and its constraining role at UN just 3 years into independence in brokering peace process ‘Korean Armistice Agreement’ which was signed on July 27, 1953, even when United States h a dominant voice. war started on June 25, 1950, involving South Korea and Western alliance, led by US under a UN resolution known as UN Command as well as a Socialist alliance of North Korea and China known as Korean People’s Army and Chinese People’s Volunteers supported by Soviet Union. 

Indian Army’s medical unit played a unique role in providing assistance to South Korean soldiers as y attended to war victims in conflict-stricken fields as a humanitarian gesture. At time, India’s 60 Para Field Ambulance or 60 Para was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel AG Rangaraj which included four combat surgeons, two anessiologists, one dentist and an estimated total of 346 men that helped South Koreans with medical aid. 

“Remembering India’s help and support as a friend, when we were in difficult times, is very important for us. We feel obligated to teach this to both countries’ young generations. History should be maintained, taught and properly promoted continuously for next generation. We hope that more people get interested and study more about this point — historical relation between Korea and India,” said Hwang Il-Yong, Director of Korean Culture Centre India in a release on July 10.

Indian army treated 195,000 casualties

On Saturday, Seoul commemorated members of Indian medical troop by displaying 32 photographs at an online exhibition titled “Korean War Special Exhibition: 60 Para Field Ambulance”. One of pictures portrays Edwina Mountbatten, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, visiting 60 Para Field Ambulance, while anor showed troops at Gloster Valley and one or depicted Indian medical team crossing water hurdles as y were left with no transport initially. Pictures highlighted efforts of soldiers treating civilians at Munsan Falls and war casualties at Daegu Hospital. In total, Indian army treated 195,000 casualties and performed nearly 2,300 field surgeries while Indian representatives debated policies in bringing conflict to a speedy conclusion. 

India delivered overcoming complexities, as NNRC heed by India heed by Lt Gen. S Thimayya with help of Custodian Forces of India (CFI) also gared 170,000 non-repatriated prisoners of wars held by UN forces. China demanded forceful repatriation of prisoners while India stood for human rights under Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission ( NNRC). mission led by India in compassion h just 100 war captured who refused to be repatriated to eir South or North Korea. Those were allowed to come to India once NNRC and CFI concluded operations.