Indo-China Clash: Minor Injuries Reported on Both Sides

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) sent soldiers to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh during the clash with Indian Army troops on December 9.

“On December 9, PLA troops attempted to unilaterally change the status quo by encroaching on the Line of Actual Control, in the Yangtse area of Tawang sector. Our army faced this attempt of China with firmness,” Indian defense minister Rajnath Singh tweeted. “A scuffle ensued in this face-off. The Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from encroaching on our territory, and forced them to withdraw to their posts. Some soldiers from both sides were injured in the skirmish.”

Singh added that “the issue has also been taken up with the Chinese side at the diplomatic level.”

Nearly 300 PLA soldiers who were sent to the LAC did not the Indian side also to be well prepared, India’s ANI reported quoting sources.

Both Indian and Chinese troops suffered minor injuries. They have since disengaged from the area, sources told ANI said, adding military commanders have met to discuss the matter.

At least 6 Indian soldiers injured in the clash in Tawang sector were brought to Guwahati for treatment, news agency PTI reported.

This is the first such encounter between the neighbours since 2020. That year in June, Indian and Chinese troops had entered into a hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh, abutting the Chinese-held Tibetan plateau. The incident resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers, while China suffered an undisclosed number of casualties.