Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the sacrifice of Indian soldiers killed in the Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh will not go in vain. In his opening remarks on day two of the virtual conference with chief ministers on coronavirus, he also said that India has always tried that differences do not become disputes. India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated. For us, the unity and sovereignty of the country is most important.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his meeting with chief ministers on the Covid-19 with a two-minute silence as a tribute to the 20 soldiers who were killed in action in Galwan Valley this week. As he spoke, it became clear that the message was aimed not just at reassuring the nation but also delivering a sharp message to Beijing.
Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the violent face off which took place in Eastern Ladakh on Monday. The troops fought each other with fists and rocks. After the clash, the two sides disengaged from the area where the fighting happened, the Indian army statement said. On the Chinese side, news agency ANI reported, there have been 43 casualties.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh mourned the death of 20 Indian soldiers. “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. 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 bravehearts,” he said in a statement posted on Twitter.
