India planning to change rules of engagement after clash: Sources
The clash between India and China at the Galwan valley in Ladakh has prompted the Army to review the norms of engagement with China that refrain Indian troops from opening fire, NDTV has quoted sources as saying.
This comes a day after the Army said 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the face-off that and caused around 45 casualties on the Chinese side as well. The Army had earlier said a Colonel and two soldiers had been killed the clash. However, the fatalities increased after another 17 soldiers succumbed to injuries.
Reports said the clash had erupted between the Indian and Chinese troops over the removal of a Chinese tent in the valley on June 15. Later, a physical altercation broke out between the two sides after Chinese soldiers targeted Indian Colonel BL Santosh.
Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I would like to assure the nation that the sacrifice of our jawans will not be in vain. For us, the unity and sovereignty of the country is the most important. India wants peace but it is capable to give a befitting reply if instigated.”
The loss of soldiers in Galwan is deeply disturbing and painful. Our soldiers displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty and sacrificed their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 17, 2020
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh too said the nation would never forget the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers. “My heart goes out to the families of the fallen soldiers. The nation stand shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult hour. We are proud of the bravery and courage of India’s breavehearts,” he said in a tweet.
Prime Minister Modi has also convened an all-party meeting at 5 pm on June 19 to discuss the border issue. Chiefs of all political parties are expected to attend the meeting. The announcement came after the Congress has questioned Modi’s silence on the issue.
Since May 5, the armies on both sides had been engaging in a standoff in the disputed areas of the Galwan Valley, besides those in Pangong Tso, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in the eastern Ladakh.