Clash in Ladakh: On June 15, 20 soldiers died and 76 were injured in a deadly clash.
New Delhi:
India and China will hold high-level military talks on the Chinese side of the border to discuss the confrontation in Galwan and other points of contention. Lieutenant-General level talks will take place in Moldo, on the Chinese side of Chushul, in eastern Ladakh.
“All issues will be discussed, including Galwan and the finger area,” said army sources.
The last time a meeting at this level was held on June 6, when India and China agreed to withdraw their troops in an attempt to defuse after weeks of tension and accumulation.
On June 15, 20 soldiers died and 76 were wounded in a deadly confrontation that erupted following the Chinese’s refusal to remove a tent as part of what was agreed on June 6. Indian soldiers were attacked with coarse and barbaric weapons used by Chinese troops, including studded clubs, spikes and stones. Army sources said 45 Chinese soldiers were killed or injured in the fight along the Galwan River.
Yesterday at a meeting between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of the Defense Staff Bipin Rawat and three heads of service, it was decided that the military would change its rules of engagement with the Chinese on the effective control line (LAC). Commanders in the field have been authorized to sanction the use of firearms in “extraordinary” circumstances.
“India wants peace but will fight back if it is brought about by the Chinese,” sources said after the meeting.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said earlier that the military had the flexibility to deal with the situation on the ground.
