Guwahati: The defence minister Rajnath Singh will travel today to Arunachal Pradesh to officially launch a number of construction initiatives.
The visit occurs a month after a clash between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector.
Singh will virtually open 27 projects of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) in addition to the Siyom Bridge near Boleng in Siang district.
The 100-meter-long Siyom bridge over the river Siyom is a strategically significant bridge since it allows the military to move troops to the Line of Actual Control’s remote regions at a strategic advantage.
The Indian Army heroically prevented Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops from invading Indian land, according to a declaration made by the Defence Minister in Parliament and forced them to retreat to their positions.
“On December 9, 2022, PLA troops tried to transgress the LAC in the Yangtse area of Tawang sector and unilaterally change the status quo. The Chinese attempt was contested by our troops in a firm and resolute manner. The ensuing face-off led to a physical scuffle in which the Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from transgressing into our territory and compelled them to return to their posts,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha.
The Minister claimed that diplomatic channels had been used to raise the issue with China.
“After this incident, on December 11, the local commander of the area held a flag meeting with his Chinese counterpart under the established system and discussed this incident. The Chinese side was refused all such actions and told to maintain peace at the border,” Singh told the Lok Sabha.
According to the defence minister, no Indian troops were killed or gravely injured in the incident.
He said, “In this face-off, a few soldiers on both sides suffered injuries. I’d like to tell this House that none of our soldiers died or suffered any serious injury. Due to the timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers have retreated to their own locations.”
“This matter has also been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. I want to assure the House that our forces are committed to guarding our borders and ready to thwart any attempt that will be made to challenge it,” Rajnath Singh said.
“I am confident this House will respect the capability, valour and commitment of our armed forces,” Singh added.