PM Modi calls for all party meet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an all party meet at 5 PM on 19th June to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas
In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister @narendramodi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 PM on 19th June. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 17, 2020
Sources: China suffered from massive casualties
Sources to news agency ANI suggest it has been assessed that the Chinese suffered a significant number of casualties in the violent face off on the night of June 15-16. The assessment is based on the number of Chinese soldiers evacuated from the face-off location on stretchers and subsequently by ambulance vehicles on the track along the Galwan river, as also the increased Chinese helicopter movement. The troops who were part of the face-off told about a significant number of Chinese casualties. Although it is difficult to specify the exact number of casualties both killed and wounded, the number is estimated to be much beyond 40.
Centre’s first reaction on Indo-China flash
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued Centre’s first reaction to the controversy. The leader called the loss of soldiers in Galwan, ‘deeply disturbing and painful’.
The Nation will never forget their bravery and sacrifice. My heart goes out to the families of the fallen soldiers. The nation stand shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult hour. We are proud of the bravery and courage of India’s breavehearts.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 17, 2020
Sources: Chinese Commanding officer killed in face-off
Sources to news agency to ANI suggest that Commanding Officer of the Chinese Unit involved in the face-off with Indian troops in the Galwan Valley among those killed
Reports: 4 Indian Soldiers remain critical
Reports have emerged that the situation of 4 Indian soldiers injured in the bloody face-off at India-China border is critical. The death toll of the Indian front remains at 20.
Rahul Gandhi politicises Indo-China Face-off
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Indo-China Tensions, the Kerala MP took to Twitter, questioning PM’s silence and targeted Centre over the death of 20 Indian Soldiers
UN chief expresses concern about reports of violence
UN chief Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over reports of violence and deaths at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China and urged both sides to exercise “maximum restraint”. “We are concerned about reports of violence and deaths at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China and urge both sides to exercise maximum restraint. We take positive note of reports that the two countries have engaged to deescalate the situation,” UN Chief said
Srinagar-Ladakh Highway closed
Srinagar-Ladakh highway closed for civilian traffic. All vehicular traffic other than essential being stopped near Gagangeer check point.
US: Closely monitoring India-China Situation
The United States is closely monitoring the situation following a fierce clash between Indian and Chinese forces in eastern Ladakh and hopes that the differences will be resolved peacefully, officials said here. Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region. Both India and China have expressed their desires to de-escalate and the US supports a peaceful resolution of the current situation, the spokesperson said. “During their phone call on June 2, 2020, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed the situation along the India-China border,” the official added.