New Delhi, Dec 13: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the timely intervention of the Indian Army during the December 9 face-off in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector stopped Chinese PLA troops from encroaching on the country’s territory. .
Speaking in the Lok Sabha today, the Defense Minister said that the Indian Army bravely prevented Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops from encroaching on Indian territory and forced them to withdraw to their posts.

“On December 9, 2022, PLA troops transgressed and attempted to change the status quo in the Yangtse area of ​​Tawang sector. Our soldiers fought this attempt with determination. There was a lot of fighting during this face-to-face as well. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said in Lok Sabha, our soldiers bravely prevented PLA from encroaching on our territory and forced them to return to their positions.
The minister said the issue was taken up with China through diplomatic channels.

After this incident, on December 11, the local commander of the area held a flag meeting with his Chinese counterpart under the established arrangement and discussed the incident. The Chinese side was dissuaded from all such actions and asked to maintain peace along the border,” Singh told the Lok Sabha.

The Defense Minister said that no Indian soldier was killed or seriously injured in the incident.
Singh said, “Some soldiers from both sides were injured in this hand-to-hand fight. I want to tell this House that none of our soldiers died or got any serious injuries. Due to the timely intervention of the Indian military commanders, the PLA troops have retreated to their respective positions.

“The matter has also been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. I would like to assure the House that our forces are committed to safeguarding our borders and are prepared to thwart any attempt to challenge it.
“I am sure this House will honor the capability, valor and commitment of our armed forces,” Singh said.

In a statement on Monday, the Indian Army said: “On 9 December, PLA troops approached the LAC in Tawang sector, which was countered by its (Indian) troops in a firm and determined manner. Some personnel from both the sides suffered minor injuries in the face-off.”
“Both sides immediately disengaged from the area. Following the incident, his (Indian) commander in the area held a flag meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with the Structured Mechanism to restore peace and tranquility.

Opposition members created ruckus in Parliament today over the clash between the soldiers of India and China. Soon after Rajnath Singh’s statement, opposition leaders staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha.