20 Indian Soldiers Killed in Indo-China Fight at LAC
Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in a "violent face-off" with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh.
For more than 6 weeks, there has been a lot of tension at the LAC between the Indian and Chinese troops. Both countries were trying to diffuse the tension but now the situation has suddenly escalated. On 15th June, Monday night, Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in a "violent face-off" with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh. No shots were fired. The Indian army said that it is the most violent fight that has occurred at the LAC in five decades. News agencies are saying that 43 Chinese soldiers have been killed or seriously injured but the army's statement did not refer to this.
The Indian Army issued a statement saying, the Indian Army was within the Indian territory of the LAC. The Chinese troops had earlier entered into Indian territory. After the governments spoke and solved the matter.
On 15th the Chinese Troops were getting ready to move away when the Chinese army began fighting with the Indian soldiers. The Chinese assaulted the Indian soldiers with stones and batons and the Indian soldiers retaliated. The fight continued for several hours and stopped at around midnight. Major Generals of both sides met to de-escalate tension after the clashes.
China issued an aggressive statement and accused India of crossing the border, "attacking Chinese personnel". India has completely denied this and said that the Chinese attacked Indians without any provocation. Global Times a Chinese Newspaper controlled by the Chinese government. Hu Xijin, Editor-in-Chief of Global Times tweeted and said, " Even the Chinese soldiers have been injured in the Galwan Valley fight. I want to tell the Indian side, don't be arrogant and misread China's restraint as being weak. China doesn't want to have a clash with India, but we don't fear it,"
The government has aimed to make more roads and bridges to improve connectivity by 2022 near the LAC. 66 important roads along the Chinese border will be built. One of these roads is near the Galwan valley which was completed in October 2019. China has been upset about the construction of the roads and bridges in the Galwan valley. Chinese military spokesperson colonel Zhang Shuili on Tuesday 16th June claimed, "China always owns sovereignty over the Galwan Valley region". Prime Minister Narendra Modi held meetings with Home Minister Amit Shah. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with military chiefs twice as India discussed a response to China.
