The tension between India and China worsens after Violent clash took place between the troops of both sides
An Indian Army Colonel and 3 Jawans have been martyred in violent clashes that took place between the Indian soldiers and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley of Ladakh on Monday night, i.e., June 15, 2020.
The violent clash took place during the de-escalation process near the Patrolling Point 14 in the Galwan Valley. The Indian and Chinese troops clashed with rods and stones, much like what had happened on the North Bank of Pangong Tso (Tso means lake) on May 5 and 6, 2020.
While there were casualties on both the sides, no firing took place between at the Patrolling Point 14.
As per a statement issued by the Indian Army, “During the de-escalation process underway in the Galwan Valley, a violent face-off took place yesterday night with casualties on both sides. The loss of lives on the Indian side includes an officer and two soldiers. Senior military officials of the two sides are currently meeting at the venue to defuse the situation.”
Post this, the Defence Minister of India – Rajnath Singh held an emergency meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff – General Bipin Rawat, 3 Service Chiefs and the Minister of External Affairs of India – Dr. S. Jaishankar. During the meeting, the Defence Minister was informed about the latest developments in the Ladakh region.
The Defence Minister then held a video conference with the Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi where the latter took the stock of the situation.
Taking it to twitter, the Chief Minister of Punjab – Captain Amarinder Singh tweeted,
The happening in the #Galwanvalley is a continuation of violations by China. It is time now that the country stands up to these incursions. Our soldiers are not fair game that every few days officers and men are being killed and injured defending our borders. (1/2)
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) June 16, 2020
He further tweeted,
It is time now for the Govt of India to take some stringent measures. Each sign of weakness on our part makes the Chinese reaction more belligerent. I join the nation in paying tribute to our brave martyrs. The nation stands with you in your hour of grief. (2/2)
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) June 16, 2020
Questioning the media reports of de-escalation, the Former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir – Omar Abdullah tweeted,
If the Chinese shoot dead an Indian army colonel & two jawans during a “de-escalation process” imagine how escalated the situation must be in the first place. This is what happens when the media propagates the government line that asking questions is anti-national.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 16, 2020
He also tweeted,
Since heard no shooting took place. The deaths were the result of violent scuffles & stone pelting. Regardless of the how & the way three Indian army personnel were killed by the Chinese in the line of duty.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 16, 2020
Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress (INC) has asked the Centre to convene a meeting to brief the leadership of political parties about the ground situation.
As far as China is concerned, it alleged that India soldiers crossed the border line twice on June 15, 2020 for illegal activities and provoked as well as attacked the Chinese troops, which led to violent clashes between the 2 countries.
Addressing a Press Conference, the Deputy Director of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Department – Zhao Lijian said, “Our border troops had a high-level meeting and reached important consensus on easing the border situation but astonishingly on June 15 the Indian troops seriously violated our consensus and twice crossed the border line for illegal activities and provoked and attacked Chinese personnel which led to serious physical conflict between the two sides and China has lodged strong protest and representation with the Indian side.”
The clashes come days after the Chief of the Army Staff – General Manoj Mukund Naravane said both sides have begun disengaging from the Galwan Valley. The Indian and Chinese armies are engaged in a standoff in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in Eastern Ladakh. Chinese troops have also transgressed into the Indian side of the de-facto border in several areas including Pangong Tso. The Indian Army was quick to respond and demanded their immediate
withdrawal from the region for restoring peace in the valley.
It is a first such incident in the gap of 45 years, along the border with China, where Indian armed forces personnel have been killed. Earlier in 1975, 4 Indian soldiers had lost their lives in an ambush at Tulung La in Arunachal Pradesh in 1975.
