With an aim to change the status quo, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Tuesday attempted to transgress the Line of Actual Control in Yangtse area of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang Sector. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed the Rajya Sabha while making a statement on 9 December incident.
The minister said, the PLA was sent back to their locations due to timely intervention of Indian military commanders. “Due to timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers went back to their locations,” Singh said.
He added, “On December 9, 2022, 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 minister further said “the scuffle led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides”, and clarified that “there are no fatalities or serious casualties on our side.”
As a follow-up of the incident, the Minister said, local commander in the area held a “flag meeting with his counterpart on December 11, 2022 to discuss the issue in accordance with established mechanisms”. “The Chinese side was asked to refrain uility along the border. The issue has also been taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister assured the Upper House that “our forces are committed to protecting our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt made on it”. Singh displayed confidence that “this entire House will stand united in supporting our soldiers in the brave effort.”
The Minister also assured the 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,” the Minister added.
The clash near Yangtse along the LAC in the sensitive sector took place last Friday amid the over 30-month border standoff between the two sides in eastern Ladakh.