India-China face-off: Rajnath Singh, ‘No Indian Soldiers Killed’
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated in Parliament on Tuesday, December 13, that “no Indian troops had been killed” and that China had been diplomatically contacted on the conflict between Indian and Chinese troops in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh.
“This matter has also been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. I want to assure the House that our forces are committed to guard our borders and ready to thwart any attempt that will be made to challenge it,” he added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh “On 9 December, PLA (People’s Liberation Army) troops tried to transgress the LAC in Yangtse area of Tawang Sector and unilaterally change the status-quo. The Chinese attempt was contested by our troops in a firm and resolute manner. The ensuing face off led to a physical scuffle in which the Indian Army bravely prevented the PIA from transgressing into our territory and compelled them to return to their posts The scuffle led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides.”
Singh further added that due to the, “timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers went back to their locations.”
“As a follow up of the incident, the local Commander in the area held a Flag Meeting with his counterpart on 11 December to discuss the issue in accordance with established mechanisms. The Chinese side was asked to refrain from such actions and maintain peace and tranquillity along the border.”
On December 9, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian soldiers engaged in combat in the Awang Sector, resulting in minor injuries to men on both sides.
In its statment, the Indian Ministry of Defence had stated, “Both sides immediately disengaged from the area. As a follow up of the incident, own Commander in the area held a Flag Meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity.”
