National Desk: 20 Indian soldiers were martyred in a clash with Chinese forces in a disputed Himalayan border area. The incident follows rising tensions, and this is the first deadly clash in the border area in at least 45 years.
The Indian Army initially said three of their soldiers has been killed and also added that both sides suffered casualties. Later on Tuesday, officials said that a number of Indian soldiers were critically injured and died of their wounds.
India’s External Affairs Ministry accused China of breaking an agreement to respect the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Galwan Valley. Initially, Indian Army said that three of their soldiers were killed in action in the clash on Ladakh. However later in the day, it was confirmed that 17 Indian troops who were critically injured in the line of duty succumbed to their injuries. taking the casualty number to 20.
Till now China has not confirmed any casualties from their side but American intelligence believes that atleast 35 Chinese troops, including a senior officer died during the clash.
The incident took place during a meeting in the mountainous region between the two sides. Both sides agreed to disarm in order to determine how to safely withdraw their presence from the region but the meeting grew tense and resulted in a physical confrontation between the troops.
According to an U.S. assessment, all the casualties were from the use of batons and knives and from falls from the steep topography.
Image Source: Internet