Tawang clash: Timely intervention forced Chinese soldiers back, says Rajnath Singh

Speaking first in the Lok Sabha and then Rajya Sabha, Singh said that the PLA troops, on Dec 9 did attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by encroaching upon the LAC in the Yangtse area of Tawang Sector in Arunachal Pradesh.

"Our Army faced the Chinese with determination. A scuffle ensued in this face-off. The Indian Army bravely stopped the PLA from encroaching on our territory, and forced them to return to their posts. Some soldiers from both sides were injured in this skirmish," he said.

Singh assured the House that none of the Indian soldiers have either died or been seriously injured in the incident.

"Due to the timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers went back to their locations," the minister emphasised.

"After this incident, the local commander of the area held a flag meeting with his Chinese counterpart on Dec 11, under the established arrangement, and discussed the incident.

"The Chinese side was dissuaded from such actions and asked to maintain peace along the border. The issue has also been taken up with the Chinese side at the diplomatic level," Singh further said.

Seeking the support from the House, Singh said that the Indian forces are fully committed to safeguarding the country's territorial integrity, and are always ready to prevent any attempt against it.

"I am sure this House will unanimously support the valor and courage of our forces," the minister added.

The Opposition, led by the Congress, was not satisfied with the government's statement and walked out of Parliament.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said as quoted by NDTV, "We are one with the nation on the issues of national security and would not like to politicise it.

"But the Modi government should be honest about the Chinese transgressions and the construction at all points near the LAC since Apr 2020."