Srinagar: The Indian Army on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to its fallen soldiers at Galwan Valley on the first anniversary of their martyrdom. Twenty Indian soldiers died in unarmed fighting with Chinese troops on the border in eastern Ladakh.
Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane on Tuesday led the force in hailing the valour of the 20 soldiers who laid down their lives while defending the country's territorial integrity in the face of "unprecedented" Chinese aggression at the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh a year ago.
"General MM Naravane COAS & All Ranks of IndianArmy pay homage to the Bravehearts who made supreme sacrifice in Galwan Valley, Ladakh while defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. Their valour will be eternally etched in the memory of the Nation," the Army tweeted.
"In the face of unprecedented Chinese aggression, 20 Indian soldiers laid down their lives defending our land and inflicted heavy casualties on the PLA (People's Liberation Army," the Army said.
"The nation will remain eternally grateful to these gallant soldiers who fought in the most difficult high altitude terrain and made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation," the Army said in a statement.
The army's Fire and Fury Corps also paid homage to the Galwan troops. In the face of unprecedented Chinese aggression, the 20 Indian soldiers laid down their lives defending Indian land and inflicted heavy casualties on the Chinese.
Also read: Nation remembers heroes of Galwan valley
In a solemn ceremony, Major General Akash Kaushik, COS, Fire and Fury Corps, laid a wreath at the iconic War Memorial in Leh on the occasion.
"The nation will remain eternally grateful to these gallant soldiers who fought in the most difficult high-altitude terrain and made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation," the army said.
Last month, Army Chief Gen Naravane said that there can be no de-escalation without complete disengagement at all friction points in eastern Ladakh and that the Indian Army is prepared for all contingencies in the region.
The two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong lake in February following a series of military and diplomatic talks.
They are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points.
( Agency Inputs)
