Galwan Valley, India-China Border Brawl
A clash on june 15 in Galwan Valley, which India said took place when a voilent face-off occurred during the de-escalation process, agreed to at the talks of corps commander on June 6, claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers. At the corps commander level meet on june 6, both sides agreed "to take practical measures to ease the situation in the border areas." In which China agreed to dismantle the posts.
On june 15 while checking out the spot, Chinese soldiers suddenly attacked Indian officers and soldiers. This triggered intense physical clashes between officers and soldiers on both sides, resulting in casualties.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar replied that the chinese side premeditated and planned action was behind the violence and casualties . He also added that the chinese side sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on our side of LAC and set up clash. He also said chinese claims are exaggerated and untenable
Following the skirmish, many questions were raised in India like Why the Indian soldiers were unarmed? Why they did not used weapons when attacked by the PLA soldiers? and Why was artillery not used? To this, the Minister of External Affairs clarified that the Indian soldiers were indeed carrying weapons however they strongly abided by the mutually accepted Rules of Engagement (RoE) and it was the adversary that violated the RoE. A retired Indian Army Officer explained that “using weapons during a scuffle at night could have led to fratricide due to absence of clear distinction between own troops and adversary. Moreover, artillery cannot be used during scuffles due to lack of long safety distances.”
Also read: How China is Slowly Chipping away India's Teritorry using Salami Slicing Strategy.
Chinese Claim:
Foreign minister of chinese government on june 19 said it claimed the entire galwan valley, including the areas that are currently on India's side of the LAC
The foreign ministry of China accused India of unilaterally building roads bridges and other facilities in the Galwan valley region. Statement issued by chinese foreign ministry on friday claim that entire Galwan valley up to the confluence point of river shyok and river Galwan into Chinese territory. Newly claimed area include the point where both armies clashed on 15 th june and also the area where India has completed the construction of a bridge over Galwan river.
According to chinese strategist china has historical rights on the entire Galwan region, multiple accounts of Qing Dynasty have recorded that Galwan valley was the part of Chinese territory during Qing dynasty rule. The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China. It was established in 1636 and ruled China properly from 1644 to 1912. Qing rulers were patrons of Tibetan buddhism
China's new claims are triggered by last year's opening of the vital Darbuk shyok daulet beg oldie road. It runs parallel to LAC providing key all weather access to the post at daulat beg oldie, one of the northernmost points in ladakh.
China may also be seeking access to areas closer to the confluence, from where it could neutralize the strategically important DSDBO road.
Importance of DSDBO Road:
Only one metallic road which provide supply to the base in the karakoram pass
Indian army bases and ITBP bases are there.
The PM on 19 June ensured that consequent to the skirmish between the troops on 15 June, no Chinese troops have entered the Indian territory nor is any Indian post at the LAC under Chinese occupation. Disengagement and de-escalation between the two militaries at the LAC is the need of the hour since a long-standing military standoff is unfavourable for both the countries. Both sides need to understand the gravity of the situation, resolve their differences, avoid any further escalation and maintain peace and tranquillity in the region.
Good job
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