India-China Conflict: PM Modi Calls For All-Party Meet On Friday To Discuss Galwan Valley Tensions

Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "silent" on the fierce clash in eastern Ladakh, and said that the country needs to know what has happened.

(PIB/PTI Photo)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an all-party meeting on June 19 (Friday) at 5pm, in the wake of ongoing tensions with China following the Galwan Valley scuffle in Ladakh. The chiefs of the all the political parties will be attending the meeting to deliberate on the current situation and the roadmap ahead as the negotiations between the two countries seem to offer no concrete solution. "In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister 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," Prime Minister's Office tweeted.

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

India and China were engaged in the worst face-off in last five decades, dealing casualties on both sides. 20 soldiers of Indian Army including a colonel rank officer were martyred in the scuffle while 40 of Chinese soldiers including a commanding officer were killed, sources have stated. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "silent" on the fierce clash in eastern Ladakh, and said that the country needs to know what has happened. Adopting a stern stance, the opposition leader said: “How dare China kill our soldiers? How dare they take our land?" "Why is the PM silent? Why is he hiding? Enough is enough. We need to know what has happened," Gandhi said on Twitter. In a video message earlier, he said: "Why is the Prime Minister silent. Where are you hiding? You should come out, the whole country is standing behind you together. Come out and tell the truth to the country, don't be afraid.” Also Check | India-China Border Standoff: How Did The Current Border Dispute Escalate? Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to mourn the loss of soldiers’ lives in Galwan. “The loss of soldiers in Galwan is deeply disturbing and painful. Our soldiers displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty and sacrificed their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army,” he tweeted. “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,” Singh added. Also Watch:  Propaganda video exposes deceitful diplomacy of China