LAC clash: No death, no major injuries to our soldiers, Rajnath tells Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that timely intervention by the Indian Army stopped the Chinese PLA troops from encroaching upon the country’s territory during the December 9 face-off at Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, the Defence Minister said that Indian Army bravely stopped the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops from encroaching up on Indian territory and forced them to withdraw to their posts.

“On December 9, 2022, in the Yangtse area of Tawang sector, PLA troops encroached upon and attempted to change the status quo. This attempt was tackled by our troops in a determined manner. There was fist fight in during this face-off as well. Our troops bravely stopped the PLA from encroaching upon our territory and forced them to go back to their post”, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha.

The minister said that the issue had been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. “After this incident, on December 11, the local commander of the area held a flag meeting with his Chinese counterpart under the established system and discussed this incident. The Chinese side was refused all such actions and told to maintain peace at the border”, Singh told the Lok Sabha.

The Defence Minister said that no Indian troops were killed or seriously injured in the incident. Singh said, “In this face-off, a 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.”

“This matter has also been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. I want to assure the House that our forces are committed to guard our borders and ready to thwart any attempt that will be made to challenge it”, Rajnath Singh said. “I am confident this House will respect the capability, valour and commitment of our armed forces”, Singh said.

Opposition members earlier today created a ruckus in Parliament over the clash between troops of India and China. Soon after Rajnath Singh’s statement, Opposition leaders staged a walkout from Lok Sabha.

On Monday, the Indian Army in a statement said, “On December 9, 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 a few personnel from both sides.”

“Both sides immediately disengaged from the area. As a follow-up of the incident, own (Indian) 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”, it said. (ANI)