Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that the loss of 온라인카지노 Army soldiers in Ladakh's Galwan valley is "deeply disturbing and painful" and added that the soldiers "displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty".
Singh's statement came nearly 24 hours after the reports emerged that 온라인카지노 and Chinese troops had clashed in Ladakh resulting in the death of 20 온라인카지노 Army personnel and the injuries of several others.
The Union Minister said the 온라인카지노 soldiers sacrificed their lives in the highest traditions of the 온라인카지노 Army.
"Nation will never forget their bravery and sacrifice. My heart goes out to the families of the fallen soldiers. The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult hour. We are proud of the bravery and courage of India’s brave hearts," Singh said.
At least 20 온라인카지노 soldiers were killed in the violent face-off with China in Galwan valley in Eastern Ladakh on Monday night government. The casualty number could further rise.
Reacting to the development, 온라인카지노 Army said troops of both the countries have now disengaged at the Galwan area where the clashed on the night of 15/16 June.
"17 온라인카지노 troops who were critically injured in the line of duty at the stand off location and exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain have succumbed to their injuries, taking the total that were killed in action to 20. 온라인카지노 Army is firmly committed to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation," 온라인카지노 Army said in a statement.
It is believed to be first such incident along the border with China that 온라인카지노 armed forces personnel have been killed after a gap of nearly 45 years. Four 온라인카지노 soldiers had lost their lives in an ambush at Tulung La in Arunachal Pradesh in 1975.
The violent face-off between 온라인카지노 and Chinese military forces took place along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh region amid heightened tensions over the border dispute between the two countries.
Senior military officials of the two sides are holding a meeting in Galwan Valley to defuse tension.
In an earlier statement, an 온라인카지노 Army spokesperson said: "During de-escalation process in Galwan Valley, a violent face-off took place last night with casualties. The loss of lives on 온라인카지노 side includes an officer and two soldiers. Senior military officials of the two sides are currently meeting at the venue to defuse the situation."
Later, the Army issued a revised statement and said "casualties were suffered on both sides" in "violent face-off" during de-escalation process with China in Galwan Valley.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said 온라인카지노 troops crossed the borderline twice on Monday, "provoking and attacking Chinese personnel, resulting in serious physical confrontation between border forces on the two sides"
A large number of 온라인카지노 and Chinese troops were engaged in an eyeball-to-eyeball situation in Galwan Valley for the last five weeks.
The incident comes days after 온라인카지노 Army Chief Gen MM Naravane said both sides have begun disengaging from Galwan Valley.
(With agency inputs)
