The clash between the Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops at the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 was erupted after Chinese tried to transgress the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Yangtse area of Tawang Sector.
Confirming reports about the incident, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said during a speech in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday: " On December 9, 2022, PLA troops tried to transgress the LAC in Yangtse area of Tawang Sector and unilaterally change the status quo."
Both sides had immediately disengaged from the area. Singh said the Chinese attempt was contested by our troops in a firm and resolute manner. "Due to the timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers have retreated to their own locations," he said.
Meanwhile, government officials were quoted by News 18 as saying that the incident took place when "the Indian troops were following the routine pre-decided patrolling format". The Chinese troops reportedly initiated an argument over the patrolling area, which the Indian troops had objected to.
"The altercation triggered the clash, which lasted for several hours," the government official said.
Due to timely intervention of Indian commanders, PLA soldiers went back to their locations. As a follow up of the incident, local Commander in the area held a Flag Meeting with his counterpart on 11 Dec 2022 to discuss the issue in accordance with established mechanisms: RM
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) December 13, 2022
Soldiers suffered minor injuries
Personnel from both sides suffered minor injuries during the clash. However no soldier died on the Indian side. "...none of our soldiers died or suffered any serious injury," Singh informed Parliament.
Also, the number of troops injured in the clash is unclear, the government official told News 18. "The Indian troops have suffered minor injuries to their hands, legs and back and a few have suffered bruises on their faces too," the official was quoted as saying. "The injured Indian troops are being provided the required medical treatment," he said.
Disputed areas in Tawang
Tawang has three mutually-accepted disputed areas. Senior government officials explained that such face-offs in Yangtse have been a common feature twice a year— ahead of and post-winter — since 1999. "India dominates the ridge there and China perceives it as an intrusion, so attempts to show aggression," an official said.
(Inputs from News 18)
First Published: Dec 13, 2022 8:01 AM IST
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