Ruh-Roh!
New Delhi: The Indian Army has confirmed that the number of Indian soldiers killed in the “violent face-off” with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night is now 20.
“Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged at the Galwan area where they had earlier clashed on the night of 15/16 June 2020. 17 Indian troops who were critically injured in the line of duty at the stand off location and exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain have succumbed to their injuries, taking the total that were killed in action to 20,” the Army said in its official statement.
“Indian Army is firmly committed to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation,” it added. There is no official confirmation on the number of injuries on the Indian side.
In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, the Indian Army had revealed that three Indians – a colonel and two soldiers – were killed. Indian military sources had revealed that no shots were fired and it was a hand-to-hand skirmish, and there were casualties on both sides.
“During the de-escalation process underway in the Galwan Valley, a violent face-off took place yesterday night with casualties. 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.”
Indian Army statement
Major Generals from both armies are reportedly in talks. The news agency ANI has quoted unnamed sources as having said that China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Luo Zhaohui, and Indian Ambassador to China, Vikram Misri, have met in Beijing.
The Army has not specified what the nature of the violent face-off was. It appears as though shots were not fired and there was “physical brawl” between the two armies. While initial reports said the army would hold a press conference at 2 pm, this did not happen.
The Chinese foreign ministry has responded to this by saying that India had carried out “provocative attacks” on Chinese soldiers after “illegally crossing” the border, Global Times reported. “China and Indian side agreed to resolve the bilateral issues through dialogue to ease the border situation and maintain peace and tranquility in border areas,” it continued.
Chinese foreign minister spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that China had lodged “solemn representations against Indian military’s border crossing and proactive actions, which led to serious clashes on Monday. China urges the India side to restrain its troops in accordance with the consensus.”
H/T mrtazman
Calamity Jane