Deadliest face-off in 45 years
A violent face off erupted between Indian and Chinese soldiers Tuesday near Ladakh, resulting in major casualties on both sides. According to a Hindustan Times report, the violence left at least 20 Indian soldiers and possibly 43 Chinese casualties, including injuries. This is being considered as the first deadly conflict in at least 45 years.
Report by Rajesh Kashyap
As per Global times , the official news channel of China, five soldiers died and at least 11 were injured in the fight.
Army sources told Dainik Samvaad that the soldiers were not killed in firing but in a physical fight including close combat which also involved stones and baton. The two sides later met at the site to diffuse the tension . Late Colonel Santosh Babu was from Telengana , Havaldar Palani from Tamil Nadu , and Sepoy Ojha from Jharkhand.
The clash reportedly took place as Chinese troops were being asked to leave a location as per agreement between the two countries. The Colonel was assaulted with stones and Indian troops retaliated which led to the hand to hand fight for many hours. The soldiers disengaged after mid night.
Contesting the Indian army’s position that the face off took place during the de-escalation process China alleged that Indian forces twice crossed the border line on 15 June for illegal activities and this led to serious conflict.
Large number of Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in confrontation in Galwan valley and areas of Eastern Ladakh since the past 5 weeks. In their serious efforts to end the confrontation Lt General Harinder Singh of the Leh based 14 Corps and Commander of the Tibet Military district held a nearly 7 hours meeting on June 6.
The situation deteriorated after China opposed India’s efforts to build a key road in the Finger area around the PANGONG TSO lake, and the construction of another one connecting Darbuk- Shayak- Daula-,Beg oldie road in Galwan valley.
Indian Military leadership had decided that Indian troops will adopt a firm approach in dealing with the Chinese transgressions and their aggressive postures in the disputed areas of Pangong Tso, Galwan valley, Demchok and Daulat area.