The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel “fought the whole night” and gave a befitting reply to the Chinese troops during the recent skirmishes in eastern Ladakh, the border force said on Friday.
It said a total of 294 ITBP personnel have been awarded the Director General (DG) commendation for displaying bravery during these skirmishes.
In its first official account of the standoff between the two militaries, the ITBP revealed how its troops “not only effectively used shield to protect themselves but also responded fiercely to the advancing PLA (People”s Liberation Army) troops and brought the situation under control”.
The ITBP said its troops “fought the whole night” in the area and they received the minimum casualties, while gave a befitting reply to the stone-pelters of the PLA.
“At places, they (ITBP) gave a determined standoff for about 17-20 hours throughout.
“Due to the high-altitude training and manoeuver experience of the force in the Himalayas, the ITBP troops kept the PLA troops at bay and due to the all-out and befitting response of ITBP jawans at almost all fronts, many areas were safeguarded in the hyper-sensitive areas,” it said.
The ITBP added that recommendations for awarding gallantry medals to 21 troops posted in this area, led by a Commandant-rank officer, have been sent to the government.
“Also, 294 personnel have been awarded with the DG”s commendation rolls and insignias by ITBP chief S S Deswal on the eve of the Independence Day,” the force said.
It said the ITBP troops displayed the highest order of professional skills and fought shoulder-to-shoulder and also brought the injured Indian Army troops to the rear.
Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in a violent faceoff with the Chinese troops in the eastern Ladakh area on the intervening night of June 15-16.