Amid noisy scenes in both Houses, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday, informed Parliament that Indian jawans decisively foiled an attempt by Chinese troops to transgress the LAC in the Yangtse area of Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh on December 9.
He asserted that the Indian forces were committed to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and would thwart any attempt made on it.
Making a statement on last week’s face-off between India and Chinese troops, Rajnath claimed the PLA’s attempt was contested by Indian jawans 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 scuffle led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides. I wish to share with this House that there are no fatalities or serious casualties on our side,” Rajnath said.
He said that due to the timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers went back to their locations. As a follow-up to the incident, the local commander in the area held a flag meeting with his counterpart on 11 December to discuss the issue in accordance with established mechanisms.
The Chinese side was asked to refrain from such actions and maintain peace and tranquility along the border. The issue has also been taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels, the minister added.
Rajnath expressed confidence that the two Houses of Parliament were united in supporting Indian soldiers in their efforts.
There was pandemonium in the Lok Sabha when he read out the statement. Similar scenes were witnessed in the Rajya Sabha where Opposition members waved placards and sought a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the clash between the troops from India and China. ”Pradhan Mantri chuppi toro (Prime Minister, break silence),” several Opposition members shouted.
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Centre of being a mute spectator on the Chinese transgressions. “The valour of our armed forces in Galwan Valley, Ladakh is well-known. But China has brazenly transgressed into our territory since April 2020. The illegal and unprovoked Chinese transgressions up to Y junction in Depsang Plains continue till date,” he said.
He alleged that the Chinese transgressions into Gogra and Hot Springs area in Eastern Ladakh, Chinese build-up next to the Pangong Tso Lake area, including the building of PLA’s divisional headquarters, army garrison, weapon shelters for artillery, anti-aircraft guns and armoured carriers, were being continuously ignored by the government.
The Opposition members also wanted to seek clarifications from the minister on his statement in the Upper House but the Chair did not permit any further discussion on it keeping in view the sensitivity of the matter. This forced the Opposition to stage a walkout.
Earlier in the day, Rajnath chaired a high-level emergency meeting to discuss the situation. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, Army chief, Gen Manoj Pande and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were among those present.