First face-off since Galwan Valley clash: Indian, Chinese soldiers injured in clash near LAC in Arunachal

Tawang, Dec 13: In a first face-off between the Indian Army and China's PLA since Galwan Valley clash, several soldiers from both sides were injured in a major clash in the crucial Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh last week amid the continuing over 30-month military confrontation in eastern Ladakh.

 

 

This face-off took place at Yangtse in the morning on December 9 after around 300-400 soldiers from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) intruded across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which was "contested" by Indian soldiers deployed there "in a firm and resolute manner".

 

 

Reports suggest that the Indian troops deployed gave a befitting response to the Chinese troops and the number of Chinese soldiers injured in the clash is more than the Indian soldiers. The Chinese had come heavily prepared with around 300 soldiers but did not expect the Indian side also to be well prepared.

 

It should be noted that both sides immediately disengaged from the area soon after the clash. As a follow-up of the incident, India's 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. Besides, the Indian troops, who sustained injuries, were admitted to a military hospital in Guwahati.

 

 

The Army, in a brief statement, said, "Both sides immediately disengaged from the area. As a follow-up of the incident, our commander in the area held a flag meeting with his (PLA) counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity."

 

"In certain areas along the LAC in the Tawang sector in Arunachal, there are areas of differing perceptions, wherein both sides patrol the area up to their claim lines. This has been the trend since 2006," it added.

 

Speaking on the same, BJP MP said "I heard that a few injuries were reported on the Indian side but PLA suffered much more injuries." Condemning the act of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) he said, "I want to say that these repeated incidents on the McMohan line spoil the relations between India and China. I personally condemn the act of the PLA. Indian soldiers at the border won't budge even an inch and as much China will do such acts our soldiers will give a befitting reply," he added.

 

 

Specifically speaking about Yangtse, has been witnessing frequent face-offs between both sides. In October 2021, for instance, the PLA had also tried to gain access to a 17,000-foot peak in Yangtse but Indian troops were successful in foiling their plans.

 

This is the first such major one since the bloody Galwan Valley incident in eastern Ladakh on June 15, 2020. Colonel Santosh Babu and 19 other Indian soldiers were martyred in the brutal clash in which numerically superior Chinese troops were armed with nail-studded rods and other sharp weapons, at that time. China has admitted the loss of only four soldiers, including the commanding officer, till now.

 

However, there have been more casualties, according to the intelligency agencies. It was the first time the two countries witnessed casualties in a border clash in 45 years.