On December 9, Chinese troops invaded the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, attempting to change unilaterally alter it. Here’s everything we know so far.
India-China clash: All about the clash in Arunachal Pradesh
Rajnath Singh, the defense minister of India on Tuesday revealed that the Indian Army was successful in resisting China’s attempt of changing the status quo of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh. However, both Indian and Chinese soldiers suffered injuries. The incursion occurred in the Yangtse area of the Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh.
“Our Army with great bravery stopped the PLA incursion and forced them to return to their post,” stated the Defence Minister. He also added that the Indian troops resisted China’s attempt “with firmness”.
Indian soldiers involved in the scuffle were not killed or seriously wounded. The local Army commander held a flag meeting with his Chinese counterpart on December 11, asking them to maintain peace on the border, Rajnath Singh added that the matter was also raised with China at the diplomatic level.
More on the scuffle at the LAC
The clash in Arunachal Pradesh took place at about 3 am on December 9. As per military sources, this part of the LAC is an “agreed disputed area”. Both Indian and Chinese soldiers are generally stationed along the nullah. However, on this night, about 300 entered the Indian side from the Chinese side. There were no warning signs but, hearing lookouts being assaulted, 70-80 Indian soldiers mobilized quickly and helped in pushing back the intruders. The incident comes days after China objected to Operation Yudhabhyas. The operation is a joint military exercise between India-US joint at Auli in the Uttarakhand hills.
Reports reveal soldiers from both sides beat each other with canes and sticks. Injured Indian soldiers are currently recuperating at the Army hospital in Guwahati. Moreover, this is the closest encounter between the troops since the deadly incident in eastern Ladakh in June 2022. On 12 December, the Indian Army’s official statement revealed the”face-off led to minor injuries to some personnel from both sides. However, both sides immediately disengaged from the area”.
