More incidents of skirmishes between Indian, Chinese troops come to light

Citations for bravery medals given to Indian Army servicemen have brought to light at least two previously unreported incidences of confrontations between the Chinese and Indian forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The citations gave a brief account of how the Indian forces reacted forcefully to the hostile actions by Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers along the LAC. They were read aloud during an investiture ceremony held by the Army’s Western Command last week.

With its headquarters located in Chandimandir, the Army’s Western Command posted a video of the January 13 event on its YouTube site, which included a commentary on the bravery medal. However, on Monday, the channel was taken down.

The citations’ described occurrences occurred within the period of September 2021 to November 2022.

The Army did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Following the skirmishes in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, the Indian Army has been keeping a very high level of combat preparedness along the 3,488 km-long LACC.

After the eastern Ladakh border dispute erupted in May 2020, there have been several instances of confrontations between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) throughout the past three and a half years.

Additionally, there was an attempt of transgression by Chinese forces in the Tawang area of the LAC.

On December 9, 2022, PLA troops tried to transgress the LAC in the Yangtse area of Tawang Sector and unilaterally changed the status quo, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Parliament four days after the incident.

Singh said the Chinese attempt was contested by the Indian troops in a firm and resolute manner.

Sources said several Indian Army personnel who were part of the team that responded firmly to the attempted Chinese transgression were also conferred gallantry awards at the investiture ceremony.

“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,” Singh said on December 13 that year.

The scuffle led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides, he said.

“I would like to assure this House that our forces are committed to protecting our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt made on it. I am confident that this entire House will stand united in supporting our soldiers in their brave effort,” Singh said.

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