On the occasion of Army Day, Indian Army chief General MM Naravane said that the sacrifice of 20 Indian soldiers martyred in the Galwan Valley during a violent face-off with Chinese troops in June last year will not go in vain. The chief added that 2020 was a "big challenge" for the Indian Army on the northern border due to the standoff with China and the Army responded to the challenge very well.
Terming the Chinese attack in Eastern Ladakh as a "conspiracy to change status quo", Gen Naravane said the Army gave a befitting reply. He said, "Sacrifice of the Galwan martyrs won't go waste. Our enemies should not underestimate our strength. Nobody can test our patience.”
By far eight rounds of talks between the two sides have been conducted and despite harsh conditions, soldiers have guaranteed national security, the general added.
"India wants a peaceful resolution through dialogue," he said.
Its ninth month of the standoff between China and India and both sides have made heavy deployment of troops, artillery guns, tanks and armoured vehicles nearby The tensions began in May when clashes occurred in Pangong Lake when troops came striking on more than one time that caused many injuries on both sides.
In an ugly clash in the Galwan Valley, 20 Indian soldiers died on June 15, while China had never made their casualty public.
The impasse continues in Ladakh as there has been no progress in finding a solution, despite eight rounds of Corps Commander-level talks -- the highest level of military dialogue.
The Army chief also informed that there has been a 40 per cent increase in ceasefire violation on the Line of Control from Pakistan causing a threat to our security as 300-400 terrorists are active to infiltrate into India.
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The Army chief said, "Tunnels have been found close to borders with Pakistan.”
The Army Chief said, "We will always remember those who have sacrificed their lives. We want to tell their families we will always stand by them,” remembering the courage and valour of those killed in the battle.