Published 17:00 IST, June 22nd 2020

China admits casualties, says commanding officer was killed in Galwan clash: Sources

The Chinese Army officials on Monday, have confirmed that a Commanding officer of the PLA was killed in the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15, as per sources

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In a major revelation, Chinese Army officials on Monday, have confirmed that a Commanding officer was killed in Galwan Valley clashes on June 15, as per sources. China had previously admitted y had casualties but had t revealed numbers. Currently, fourth round of Army Commander-level talks are on at Moldo in Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 11:30 AM this morning.

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Previous Army level talks

On June 18, two countries held Major General-level talks for over six hours with meeting ending on a cordial te. As per sources, meeting location was at Patrol point 14, where clash took place on June 15-16. Moreover, fresh build-up and reinforcements have been brought in by Chinese side. India has demanded a return to status quo in May, asking Chinese to remove additional buildup done in area since n. Army has reiterated that all personnel who took part in Galwan valley operations on June 15-16 are accounted for and personnel are missing in action.

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Forces allowed to change rules of engment

Amid ongoing talks between India and China, on Sunday,  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave complete authority to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, three chiefs of Indian Armed Forces and corps commanders to change rules of engment with hostile scenario, as deemed fit. With a change in rules of engment, armed forces may t be bound by restrictions on use of firearms under hostile attacks. Moreover, Centre has given three defence forces financial powers upto Rs 500 crore per project for acquisition of critical ammunition required in case an all-out or limited conflict breaks out.

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What happened at Galwan?

20 Indian Army soldiers including Commanding Officer were martyred when a violent faceoff took place on Monday night when de-escalation process was underway in Galwan Valley. As per US intelligence reports, Chinese side has suffered 35 casualties including a Commanding officer, during physical clash. Sources revealed that an Indian colonel was attacked by Chinese Army personnel with iron rods without any provocation leading to hand-to-hand combat. While three soldiers were killed in action, 17 or succumbed to ir injuries and hypormia, four ors are in critical but stable condition, while 72 ors are recuperating from mir injuries at various hospitals. Currently, both countries have disengd at LAC, while talks via diplomatic channels and Army-level.

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India-China Major General-level talks at LAC completed after six hours, fresh buildup

16:34 IST, June 22nd 2020