Kiren Rijiju attacked a video posted by Rahul Gandhi on Twitter.
New Delhi:
Faced with a wave of questions about how the government has handled the conflict with China in Ladakh, which culminated this week with the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju set his goals for the opposition to demand accountability.
“Whenever India faces a military challenge, this man interrogates the army. No wonder he goes to JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) and sits with those who celebrate the deaths of our soldiers,” said Mr. Rijiju in a Hindi tweet on Friday attacking Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
Congress legislator was relentless in attack on center during clash in Ladakh, saying it was “crystal clear” that the government was “deeply asleep” and that the jawans paid the price .
“China committed a serious crime by killing our unarmed soldiers. I want to ask who sent these brave brave men without arms and why? Who is responsible?” Mr. Gandhi had asked in a short video posted on his Twitter account to which Mr. Rijiju replied.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar also replied on Thursday to Gandhi, saying that the soldiers still carried weapons but that the rules of engagement did not allow the use of firearms during confrontations.
Indian soldiers assaulted Monday with iron rods and clubs wrapped in barbed wire with nails in the battle against the Chinese in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh near the actual line of control . Many were thrown from a steep ridge and some of the soldiers fell into the Galwan River.
Dramatic escalation of hostilities came after weeks of reports that the Chinese have stepped up their military presence in the region and encroached on Indian territory where the government has maintained that there is nothing to worry about .
Speaking two days after meeting with Chinese forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he wanted to assure the nation that the sacrifice of Indian soldiers would not go in vain and that India, while being peaceful , is able to give an appropriate response if provoked. .
