Tensions ran high after Indian and Chinese troops engaged in fresh clash near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tawang area of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9. The clash, a grim reminder of 2020 Galwan stand-off, ended quickly as Indian Army gave a befitting response to the Chinese soldiers, pushing them back to their locations.
Minor injuries were reported on both the sides. However, no loss of life or serious injuries were reported to Indian soldier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said while speaking in Lok Sabha.
Rajnath Singh said, “On December 9, PLA 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 PLA 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. I wish to share with this House that there are no fatalities or serious casualties on our side. Due to the timely intervention of Indian commanders, PLA soldiers went back to their locations,” he added.
- The fresh clash, the first since Galwan incident in 2020, was reported on December 9 when Chinese soldiers tried to transgress the LAC in Yangtse area of Tawang Sector and unilaterally change the status quo.
- “PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector, which was contested by own (Indian) troops in a firm and resolute manner. This face-off led to minor injuries to few personnel from both sides,” the Army said in a statement.
- The troops belonging to three different battalions, including Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, Jat regiment and Sikh Light Infantry, were present at the location of the clash last week when the Chinese tried to unilaterally change the status quo in the area, sources told ANI.
- The Chinese Army had reportedly come along with drones and over 300 troops who were pelting stones in an attempt to attack the Indian position but were beaten back.
- Speaking in Lok Sabha, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that none of the Indian soldiers was killed or sustained any serious injury in the clash.
- China said the situation along the border with India was “generally stable”. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin addressing a media briefing here said the two sides have maintained smooth communication on boundary-related issues through diplomatic and military channels.
- It was first major clash between India and China since Galwan standoff in 2020, when 20 Indian personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in violent clashes with Chinese troop along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.
- Indian Air Force (IAF) jets were patrolling the skies of Arunachal Pradesh to prevent the Chinese Army from violating the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- Speaking to Times Now, locals hailed the Indian Army and demanded that they give befitting response to China, who keeps an evil eye on Tawang.
- In a statement, the United States has said the Biden administration is glad that both India and China quickly disengaged after clashing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector. “We are glad both sides have quickly disengaged from clashes. We’re closely monitoring the situation and encourage India and China to utilise existing bilateral channels to discuss disputed boundaries,” said Karine Jean-Pierre on India-China clashes.
