The sacrifices of Indian soldiers killed in a clash with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh will not go in waste, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, as he chaired a scheduled meeting with state chief ministers on the coronavirus cases. "We don't want differences to turn into disputes, we have always displayed our power in protecting the country's integrity and sovereignty," he said. PM Modi also observed two minutes silence for the soldiers before starting the meeting.
Meanwhile, the talks between Major Generals of India and China in Galwan Valley in Ladakh, the site of a huge clash on Monday in which 20 soldiers were killed, were inconclusive, army sources said today.
"The talks have remained inconclusive as there is no immediate disengagement or change in the ground," sources told NDTV. "More talks to take place in the coming days," they added.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi had called an all-party meeting on Friday to discuss the situation at the India-China border after clashes in Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers laid down their lives. Presidents of various political parties participated in the meeting at 5 pm on Friday via video conferencing.
Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in a "violent face-off" with Chinese troops in Ladakh after they tried to "unilaterally change the status quo there", the Army said in a statement on Tuesday. A Colonel and two jawans were among the soldiers killed in the face-off at Galwan Valley in Ladakh -- the most serious escalation between the two countries along the border in five decades. Army sources have told NDTV that up to 45 Chinese soldiers have been killed or injured in the fight.
Here are the highlights on India-China face-off In Ladakh:
When Naik Deepak Kumar Singh told his grandmother on the phone a few days ago from his Ladakh post that he will come home after the coronavirus-induced lockdown ends, he did not know it would be his last conversation with his family, reported PTI.
Deepak Singh, who had got married just seven months ago, was among the 20 Indian Army personnel, including a colonel, who were killed in a fierce clash with the Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night.
"I will come home on leave after the lockdown ends," the 30-year-old, a Naik in the Indian Army, told his grandmother Phool Kumari a few days ago.
As the news of his death spread, Deepak Singh's family members and residents of his village, located about 40 km from Rewa district headquarters, plunged into grief.
BJP workers held a protest at Delhi's India gate on Wednesday over the Galwan Valley face-off in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in action on June 15, reported ANI. The protestors chanted the slogan, "Bharat mata ki jai, Vande Mataram." They were also carrying banners that read: "We support the Indian Army!"
Jharkhand plunged into grief on Wednesday as the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley stripped the state of two its bravehearts -- Kundan Kumar Ojha and Ganesh Hansda, reported PTI. Kundan Ojha, who was blessed with a daughter just 17 days ago, had promised his mother over the phone that he would be home as soon as he got leave from duty. That was the last the family heard from the 28-year-old soldier. He and Ganesh Hansda were among the 20 Army personnel killed in a fierce clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on Monday night. The second of the four children of farmer Ravi Shankar Ojha and Bhawani Devi from Dihari village in Sahibganj district, Ojha had joined the Army in 2011. He had tied the knot a year-and-a-half ago. A resident of Kosaphalia village in Bahrahgora block of East Singhbhum, Ganesh Hansda was the younger child of Sukhda and Kapra.
No Chinese Equipment For 4G Upgrade, Centre To Tell BSNL: SourcesThe Telecom department has decided to rule out the use of Chinese equipment in the upgradation of the 4G equipment of the state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited or BSNL.
The White House on Wednesday (local time) said that it is aware of the developments on the India-China border and expressed its condolences over the death of Indian soldiers in the face-off between troops of both the countries at Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh on June 15 night.
"We are aware and we're monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control and Eastern Ladakh. We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation. We send our deepest condolences on that," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said.
However, the White House denied any plans to defuse tension between India and China, reported news agency ANI.
Senior Congress leader Ashwani Kumar on Wednesday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to convene all-party meeting over the violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley.
"The aggressor should know that while we remain committed to peace and a negotiated settlement of outstanding boundary disputes with our neighbours. India will not be bullied by the Chinese misadventure of military aggression," Mr Kumar told ANI.
The former law minister stated that the "Chinese aggression in Ladakh, resulting in the death of brave Indian soldiers, is clearly a hostile act and a brazen affront to Indian sensitivities".
India-China Face-Off, Ladakh: Anti-China Protests Across India, Delhi's Defence Colony Declares "War"Calls to boycott China-made goods have erupted across India after 20 soldiers died in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan valley late Monday night" itemprop="description
National Interest Should Be Supreme: Pranab Mukherjee On LadakhFormer President Pranab Mukherjee today said the events in Ladakh are of "grave concern" not only for the nation's strategic interests but also have "far-reaching global geo-political ramifications". While handling it, the government should take "various stake-holders" on board and ensure that "nothing but out national interests are kept supreme"." itemprop="description
Lt Governor of Ladakh R K Mathur on Wednesday took part in the wreath-laying ceremony for three of the 20 army personnel who lost their lives in a violent clash with the Chinese army in Galwan Valley and said their sacrifice will not go waste.
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries.
"The sacrifice will not go waste; rather it will strengthen the resolve of Ladakhis and the entire country to protect our border," Mr Mathur said after paying tributes.
Delhi BJP leaders took out a candlelight march at India Gate on Wednesday evening to pay homage to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in a violent clash with the Chinese army in Ladakh's Galwan Valley.
The march was led by Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta, reported news agency PTI.
He said India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi knows how to give a "befitting reply" to every attack on the sovereignty of the country.
"The country will be indebted for life to the jawans who were martyred for their supreme sacrifice for the motherland," he said.
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries.
India China Ladakh Face-Off: India-China Clash In Ladakh Explained Through Satellite MapsSatellite images from the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh show how the clash between India and China erupted after days of build-up." itemprop="description
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Wednesday said his government and people stand with the Centre in the violent face off with China, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.
He said there should be no compromise on the security of the country and the entire nation should stand as one on the issue.
The Chief Minister mentioned about the Indo-China skirmishes at the border while interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video conference on Wednesday, an official release said.
Talks Between Major Generals Of India, China In Galwan Inconclusive: SourcesTalks between Major Generals of India and China in Galwan Valley in Ladakh, the site of a huge clash on Monday in which 20 soldiers were killed, were inconclusive, army sources said today." itemprop="description
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday announced compensation and a job to the family memebbers of each of the four soldiers from the state killed in a violent face-off with the Chinese army in Ladakh.
At least 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in the line of duty on Monday night.
The Punjab Chief Ministeralso extended his heartfelt condolences to families of the soldiers.
The loss suffered by the families is immeasurable and cannot be compensated with material things but the compensation and the jobs will help alleviate some of their sufferings, said Mr Singh in a press release, paying his tributes to the four men.
India China Ladakh Face-Off: How China Assaulted Indian Soldiers, Flung Them Into RiverIndia has conveyed to China the fact that the deadly clash in eastern Ladakh on Monday night will have "a serious impact" on relations between the two countries. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar shared this with his counterpart in Beijing in a phone conversation today. Both sides agreed not to take "any action to escalate matters", a statement from the Foreign Ministry said." itemprop="description
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday paid homage to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in a violent clash with the Chinese army in Ladakh's Galwan Valley and said their supreme sacrifice will always be remembered.
A Raj Bhawan release said the governor has extended her condolences to the bereaved families and said the immense courage displayed by these soldiers would always be remembered.
In his condolence message, the chief minister said the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers, who displayed exemplary courage for the security of the nation and gave their lives, would always be remembered.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday welcomed the Centre's decision to call an all-party meeting on June 19 to discuss the situation on the India-China border in Ladakh and said her party stands by the country at this hour of crisis.
"We stand by the country and our armed forces at this hour of crisis and completely support the decision to call an all-party meeting. Technically, it is a correct decision," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief said.
"We do not want to comment on issues relating to external affairs. Let the Union government decide on it," the chief minister said, when asked about the border standoff with China.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has paid tributes to soldiers killed in Ladakh while repulsing Chinese soldiers.
"Ganesh Ram Kunjam from Kanker district of Chhattisgarh was among these soldiers. We are proud of our brave and courageous soldiers and we stand united to protect the integrity of the nation," a release issued on Wednesday quoted the chief minister as saying.
Twentysoldiers, including a colonel, were killed in a fierce clash with the Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night.
India-China Border Face-Off, Ladakh: Hope India Gives China Fitting Reply, Says Family Of Bengal's Sepoy Rajesh Oraon, Killed In LadakhThe father of Sepoy Rajesh Oraon, one of 20 Indian soldiers who were killed in Monday's violent face-off with Chinese troops in Ladakh, has been confined to his bed since Tuesday evening, when he was told his 26-year-old son had died" itemprop="description
Wreath laying ceremony of Hawaldar Sunil Kumar who lost his life in #GalwanValley clash, being performed at the Patna Airport, Bihar. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi, State BJP President Sanjay Jaiswal and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav present at the ceremony.
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 17, 2020
(📸 ANI) pic.twitter.com/I6Wl61mXha
All those who laid down their lives in Galwan valley of Ladakh have upheld the best traditions of the Indian armed forces. Their valour will be eternally etched in the memory of the nation. My deepest condolences to their families.
- President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 17, 2020
.@LRC_NDTV | "This has brought back memories of 1962, those that haven't entirely faded from the national psyche. In many ways, we are reliving that nightmare": Nirupama Menon Rao (@NMenonRao), Former Foreign Secretary#IndiaChinaStandOff pic.twitter.com/cSpO7ARKmm
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 17, 2020
.@LRC_NDTV | "If the situation can be peacefully resolved, that would be the ideal way to go": Lt Gen DS Hooda, Former Northern Army Commander#IndiaChinaStandOff pic.twitter.com/cxZ3hyNo61
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 17, 2020
The government should not only give a "strategic", but also an economic reply to China, the Samajwadi Party (SP) said on Wednesday after 20 soldiers were killed in a violent clash with the Chinese army in Ladakh.
In a tweet in Hindi, SP president Akhilesh Yadav said the SP will support the government on any decision in the nation''s interest.
"Seeing the violent behaviour of China, the Indian government should not only give a strategic but an economic reply also to them," he said.
"All contracts awarded to Chinese companies should be suspended with immediate effect and there should be restraint on imports from China," Mr Yadav said.
Sonia Gandhi's Questions To PM Narendra Modi After India-China Face-Off In LadakhPrime Minister Narendra Modi should step forward and explain to the nation how China managed to grab Indian territory and why 20 soldiers had to sacrifice their lives for the nation, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said today. In a 3-minute video, she also posed a series of tough questions for the Prime Minister and announced that the party stands with the armed forces and the government." itemprop="description
#IndiaChinaStandOff | "We encourage both sides to show restraint and to engage in military de-escalation, as well as to continue the dialogue": Virginie Battu-Henriksson, EU spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 17, 2020
Ladakh Face-Off: Foreign minister S Jaishankar Speaks To China Foreign Minister On PhoneForeign minister S Jaishankar had a telephonic convesation today with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi -- a first since Monday's violence at Galwan Valley in Ladakh in which 20 Indian soldiers died." itemprop="description
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi speak over the phone two days after Ladakh face-off.
I bow to the families, who have blessed Indian Army with such great heroes. India will always remain indebted for their supreme sacrifice. Entire nation and Modi government stands firmly with their families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.
- Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 17, 2020
The pain of losing our brave soldiers while protecting our motherland at Ladakh's Galwan can not be put in words. Nation salutes our immortal heroes who sacrificed their lives to keep Indian territory safe and secure. Their bravery reflects India's commitment towards her land.
- Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 17, 2020
"Congress stands with our armed forces, our soldiers, families of our soldiers and the government of India, in these tough times," said party chief Sonia Gandhi on Ladakh clash.
PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of 15 states and UTs attending the virtual meet observe two-minute silence as a tribute to the soldiers who died for the country in #IndiaChinaFaceOff.
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 17, 2020
India-China: India Can Give Fitting Reply When Provoked, Says PM Narendra Modi After Ladakh ClashPrime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the sacrifice of Indian soldiers killed in a clash with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh would not go in vain. "India wants peace but when provoked, India is capable of giving a fitting reply, be it any kind of situation," PM Modi warned in a strong message to China." itemprop="description
Watch | "We don't want differences to turn into disputes, we have always displayed our power in protecting the country's integrity and sovereignty": PM Modi on #IndiaChinaStandOff pic.twitter.com/kjdAoSNDcv
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 17, 2020
आज जब देश में चीनी दुस्साहस व हमारे सैन्य अधिकारी व सैनिकों की शहादत को लेकर भारी आक्रोश है तो प्रधानमंत्री को सामने आकर देश को सच्चाई बतानी चाहिए, न की मौन धारण कर चुप रहना चाहिए।
- Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) June 17, 2020
कांग्रेस अध्यक्षा, श्रीमती सोनिया गाँधी के सीधे सवाल-: pic.twitter.com/ee78HjJRqi
Wreath-laying ceremony for Indian soldiers, who died for the country in #Ladakh clash with China, at the Army Hospital in Leh (news agency ANI). #IndiaChinaFaceOff pic.twitter.com/WvZW276Uxe
- NDTV (@ndtv) June 17, 2020
China Says Doesn't Wish To See More Clashes On Border With IndiaChina said Wednesday it wanted to avoid further clashes with India along their Himalayan border after the first deadly confrontation between the two nuclear powers in decades."
For Modi, China Clash Is His Biggest Challenge As PM
India-China: Why Is He Hiding, Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Narendra Modi Over India-China Face-OffTwenty Indian soldiers were killed in a "violent face-off" with Chinese troops in Ladakh after they tried to "unilaterally change the status quo there", the Army said in a statement on Tuesday. A Colonel and two jawans were among the soldiers killed in the face-off at Galwan Valley in Ladakh -- the most serious escalation between the two countries along the border in five decades.
News agency ANI, quoting sources, had confirmed 43 Chinese soldiers have been killed or seriously injured because of intercepts, though the army's statement did not refer to this.
