Addressing the Parliament, Rajnath Singh furnished details of the clash between Indian and Chinese troops that happened on December 9, in which both sides suffered ‘minor injuries’.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 13, 2022 13:39 IST
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressing the Lok Sabha on India-China clash in Arunachal Pradesh (Photo: ANI/Twitter)
By India Today Web Desk: No loss of life or any serious injury to our soldiers was reported during the face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. He said when People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops attempted to change the status quo in the Tawang sector, Indian troops stopped them from encroaching upon our territory and forced them to go back to their post.
Addressing the Parliament, Rajnath Singh furnished details of the clash between Indian and Chinese troops that happened on December 9, in which both the sides suffered ‘minor injuries’. The matter has been taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels, he added.
Indian and Chinese soldiers were locked in a face-off in the tense Yangste area near Tawang last Friday, resulting in ‘minor injuries’ on both sides. Six Indian soldiers were injured in the face-off. They were airlifted to the 151 base hospital in Guwahati’s Basistha for treatment.
ALSO READ | Indian, Chinese soldiers face off at Arunachal LAC: What we know so far
“On December 9 in Yangtse area of Tawang sector PLA troops encroached upon and attempted to change status quo.This attempt was tackled by our troops in a determined manner. Our troops bravely stopped PLA from encroaching upon our territory and forced them to go back to their post,” the defence minister said.
‘PLA FORECED TO RETREAT’
“Due to the timely intervention of the Indian military commander, PLA soldiers were forced to retreat. The area’s local commander on December 11 held a flag meeting with his Chinese counterpart over the incident.
The ensuing face off led to a physical scuffle in which the Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from transgressing into our territory and compelled them to return to their posts
“Our troops tackled this attempt in a determined manner. There was physical combat in this face-off. Our troops bravely stopped the PLA from the incursion, and forced to return to their posts. In this fight, soldiers of both sides were injured. I want to assure the House, that no Indian soldier was killed or severely injured,” he added.
‘MATTER TAKEN UP WITH CHINA’
“The Chinese side was asked to refrain from such actions and maintain peace and tranquility along the border. The issue has also been taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels,” the defence minister said.
He added, “I would like to assure this House, that our Forces are committed to protecting our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt made on it. I am confident that this entire House will stand united in supporting our soldiers in their brave effort.” (sic).
ALSO READ | Didn’t cede an inch of land: Amit Shah on India-China clash at Arunachal LAC
‘ARMY READY TO TACKLE TRANSGRESSION’
The minister added that the Army is capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country and is ready to tackle any trangressions.
“I assure the House, that our Army is capable of defending the territorial integrity of the country. Our Army is ready to tackle any trangression. I firmly believe that the House will support the bravery and courage of our armed forces,” the Defence Minister informed the Parliament on Tuesday.
‘BOTH SIDES SUFFERED INJURIES’
“In this face-off, few soldiers on both sides suffered injuries. I’d like to tell this House that none of our soldiers died or suffered any serious injury. Due to the timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers have retreated to their own locations,” he added.
ALSO READ | ‘China learnt from past experiences but PM…’: Owaisi’s salvo over Arunachal clash
ALSO READ | Arunachal clash: Over 200 Chinese PLA troops came armed with spiked clubs, sticks
