Hamirpur: A young soldier from Himachal Pradesh was martyred in a violent clash between India and China on Monday night in the Galvan Valley of Ladakh. China also reportedly suffered casualties during the clash. On the topic of India-China standoff, ETV Bharat speaks to one of the heroes of Kargil War, retired Brigadier Khushal Thakur.
No movement near Himachal border, will give befitting reply to China: Brig Thakur
Q: What is your first reaction to this incident?
A: It is very sad that our 20 soldiers including one officer have been martyred. I salute these brave sons and my condolences to the families of these brave soldiers. Every year China enters LAC and tries to capture it by putting up tents. China has always violated bilateral treaties, but this time China has crossed all the limits. A decision had been taken on 6th June from both the sides to de-escalate. However, China did not withdraw its troops from Patrol Point 14. China will get a befitting reply for its actions.
Q: How did the situation turned for the worse?
A: Our main highway goes from Leh to Shyok River. The Dalwan and Shyok rivers meet on PP-14. These are very strategic points. China has developed its infrastructure there. To reach LAC, we had also started building in our area. When China started to hinder our work, we opposed China, resulting in the standoff and the subsequent violent clash between Indian troops and China's PLA soldiers.
Q: China's President Xi and PM Modi continued to meet as part of confidence building measures. This is the reason that peace along LAC, but what is the reason behind this blood shed after four decades. is it China shifting focus away from its domestic issues?
A: China has violated all the treaties that have been made, especially the 1993 treaty. China has a problem with the construction of helipads and roads in the India side. According to the 1993 treaty, patrolling will be done within own boundaries and any issues thereafter will be sorted out through negotiations. There will be flag meetings and weapons will not be used, but from the starting China's intention is flawed.
China doesn't want to take a step back. It was already prepared for war.
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Q: Was there any strategic lapses from India's part?
A:The Indian Army is not a 1962 army. There has been a lot of development in logistics and infrastructure. With this incident we should make it clear to China that the construction of infrastructure along the Indian border will not stop. China will not be allowed to infringe on the LAC.
Q: What is the next step and the way forward after de-escalation?
A: At the diplomatic, political and Army level, there is a hope that the army has a free hand to deal with the situation. The right response will be given at the right time and the martyrdom of brave soldiers will be avenged.
Q: Can we hurt China on the economic front?
A:Today China is isolated because of COVID-19 pandemic, we can take advantage of it. What is our import-export policy with China? Action can be taken by keeping it in mind. I hope the Indian government will take cognizance of the whole thing.
Q: Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur border districts are bordering China. What are the preparation being done here?
A: Since the month of April-May vigilance measures have been increased in these areas. There is a lot of pressure from China towards regions in Eastern Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. There is no movement on the Himachal border as of yet.
