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China and India got into the worst face-off in the last five decades on Monday night after China tried to alter the status quo along the Line Of Actual Control in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley. 20 Indian soldiers including a colonel rank officer were killed in the scuffle, while 43 casualties were inflicted on the Chinese side, ANI’s sources have claimed. However, China has not yet released a figure of its casualties.
There are reports that China had sent choppers to airlift its injured soldiers soon after the two parties disengaged.
Also Read: 20 Indian Soldiers Martyred In Galwan Valley; 43 Casualties On The Chinese Side, Claim Sources
Army given free-hand to act in the disputed area: Sources
Meanwhile, sources have revealed that the Indian Army has been given emergency power to act freely against any Chinese aggression at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The decision was taken in Cabinet Committee on Security meeting. The sources have said that the government has given the Army free hand to act as they deem fit against Chinese aggression or further transgression in the Galwan Valley area.
US condoles demise of Indian soldiers:
Meanwhile in a statement, the United States has condoled the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the scuffle against the Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control.
US has extended support for peaceful solution of the dispute. It said it is monitoring the situation very closely.
India’s statement:
After the reports of face-off were out, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that both sides suffered casualties that could have been avoided had agreement at higher level been scrupulously followed by China. MEA stated that the Chinese side tried to unilaterally change the status quo in the Galwan Valley while India was upholding its side of the commitment.
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