Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
The United Nations Secretary- General - Antonio Guterres.Image Credits: Reuters

UN chief Antonio Guterres called for the de-escalation of tensions along the India-China border on Tuesday, days after troops from both sides clashed in the disputed area of the border. Minor injuries were reported on both sides.

The Union Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, told the Parliament that “People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops tried to transgress the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Yangtse area of Tawang Sector and unilaterally change the status quo” on December 9th. However, the Indian Army compelled them to retreat with its “firm and resolute” response.

Hours after the defense minister told Parliament, the PLA claimed that the clash in the early hours of December 9th occurred after Chinese troops on regular patrol on their side of the LAC in the Dongzhang area were blocked by Indian soldiers who had “illegally crossed the line.”

“Both sides immediately disengaged from the area,” the Indian Army stated.

Also added in the statement that commanders from both sides had held a meeting immediately after “to restore peace and tranquility.”

Even though this has been a trend since 2006, it was noted in the meeting that there were some areas of differing perception along the LAC in the Tawang sector, as both sides patrol only until their claim lines. Therefore, the troops of both sides often face off while patrolling due to the undefined boundary line. This is the first flare-up since the June 15th, 2020, incident in the Galwan Valley. (The Hindu)

Furthermore, when asked to comment on the situation, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, said: “Yeah, we have seen these reports. We call for de-escalation and to ensure that the tensions in that area do not grow.”

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