China unilaterally attempted to change status quo: MEA on 'violent' LAC standoff

India on Tuesday alleged that China "unilaterally attempted to change status quo" at  Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Lakh's Galwan Valley which led to a violent face-off between two armies late on Monday and caused death of three Indian Army soldiers, including a colonel.

In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Anurag Srivastava, said, "On late-evening and night of 15th June, 2020 a violent face-off happened as a result of an attempt by Chinese side to unilaterally change status quo re. Both sides suffered casualties that could have been avoided h agreement at higher level been scrupulously followed by Chinese side."

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"Given its responsible approach to border manment, India is very clear that all its activities are always within Indian side of LAC. We expect same of Chinese side," statement furr said. 

China departed from consensus

Srivastava revealed that China departed from consensus to respect LAC in Galwan Valley and contended that  faceoff h taken place on late evening and night of June 15, leing to casualties on both sides. Maintaining that India was convinced of resolving differences through dialogue, he reiterated country's commitment to ensuring India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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Three Indian Army personnel martyred

Three Indian Army soldiers including a Commanding Officer were martyred when a violent faceoff took place on Monday night when de-escalation process was underway in  Galwan Valley. As per Editor-in-Chief of Chinese newspaper Global Times, Chinese side also suffered casualties during physical clash. Sources revealed that Indian colonel was attacked by Chinese Army personnel with iron rods without any provocation leing to a strong retaliation from Indian side. This physical hand-to-hand combat went on for many hours on Monday, sources revealed. On Tuesday morning, senior commanders took stock of situation and talks started at about 7 am.

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