THE GALWAN VALLEY SKIRMISH
THE GALWAN VALLEY SKIRMISH- THE DISMAYED INCIDENT!
Introduction-
For more than 40 years, India and China who are two nuclear-armed Asian neighbors are in a tight diplomatic and military deadlock or standoff thereby following their first lethal border clash.
Indian and Chinese troops have been espoused or engaged in the deadlock since early May at diverse points along with the 3500 km Line of Actual Control (LAC), most of which remains undefined or underrated.
Further, the prevailing escalated tension between the two countries has drawn international concerns, with the United Nations thereby urging both the countries to exercise maximum restraint and moderation.
Elaborative Timeline of Galwan Valley Clash-
After the talks and the prattle between India and China at Lt General Level on June 06, 2020, token disengagements were performed in a bid to resolve the month-long border deadlock in Eastern Ladakh. After both the countries agreed that Chinese troops would disengage, talks between both the Major Generals of both countries were supposed to take place on June 16, 2020
However, in mid-week, the Chinese came back and set up a camp on the Indian side which was subsequently dismantled by India. It was further followed by a scuffle that broke out between the troops of both sides resulting in the injury of many soldiers.
After the scuffle, the Chinese troops went back only to return in larger numbers. On June 14, 2020, some stone pelting took place.
On June 15, 2020 evening, the confrontation broke out on a ridgeline with a high drop towards the Galwan river. However, the clash was rapidly escalating and it was discovered that during such clash many Indian soldiers fell into the river.
By the reason that PLA (People Liberations Army) troops did not move back, the Indian unarmed patrol team which was led by Colonel Santosh Babu hold a discussion with the Chinese side. The Chinese refused to get back and the situation was aggravated. Chinese started attacking Indian delegation with rocks wrapped with barbed wire and wooden log with nails. As a result of which, the Indian side also retaliated and responded.
The CO (Commanding Officer) was grievously injured after the first hit by Chinese troops.
After 40 minutes, the same unit went back to that area and raided again but things escalated even further.
The Indian troops smacked the Chinese troops with brutal strength and nearly 55-56 Chinese soldiers were seriously injured. Many of the causalities were inflicted and imposed in this situation.
However, there was a Brigadier level Chinese officer who waved for peace asking his troop to stop fighting.
Despite all this. Hand to hand fighting and brawling continued late into the night. The troops of both sides used stones and metal clubs due to which many suffered head injuries. The clash went on for about 3 hours and it stopped after midnight.
Cursory Outlook on June 15 Incident-
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a CO (Commanding Officer) were killed in the dismayed skirmish with Chinese troops in the Galwan valley in Eastern Ladakh on Monday night. It was one of the biggest confrontations in over five decades.
Government sources discovered that the Chinese side too suffered "proportionate casualties" but chose not to speculate on the exact number. However, it was discovered that at least 43 Chinese soldiers have been seriously injured or killed in the skirmish.
It was the biggest confrontation between the two militaries since the 1967 skirmishes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while over 300 Chinese army personnel were killed in such clash. The casualties take both sides into the unexplored territory at a time when the government's attention is focused more on fighting the prevailing Covid-19 crisis.
Why did the Galwan Valley clash happen?
Some experts link this incident to India’s unilateral move to repeal Article 370 of the Indian constitution that had guaranteed a measure of autonomy to Jammu & Kashmir State which also included disputed areas of Ladakh Region. As a result of which China denounced the move in the UN Security Council.
The other reason for such deadliest skirmish could be China’s pushback against India’s recent infrastructure construction in border areas. India inaugurated Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie road (255 km) which is built along the LAC. China raised objection to the same seeing it as a threat to its interests in the region because China’s economic passageway to Pakistan and Central Asia passes through the Karakoram which is close to Galwan Valley which is further close to Aksai Chin Plateau which is under control of China but is claimed by India.
Official Reaction of India and China-
The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Defence Ministry accused India of evoking June 15 clashes. China stated that India by illegally crossing the border twice had violated the consensus. Further, China stated that India has carried out provocative attacks on Chinese soldiers resulting in serious physical confrontations.
Further, the Indian government officially reacted that China has departed from the agreement agreed upon by both the countries on June 06, 2020, during the de-escalation process. China departed from the consensus to respect the LAC in Galwan Valley. While on the other hand, China claimed that India had agreed on ‘no-trespassing’ on Galwan Valley for building facilities but India went against the agreement and asked China to dismantle their posts.
India’s Reaction to the Galwan Clash-
The reaction in India of boycotting Chinese goods has been exemplary and meritorious to the Indian citizens. Protestors across India were seen burning the Chinese flags and products. Further, the videos on social media platforms showed teenagers destroying and demolishing the mobile phones which are china made.
The Indian pledge of ‘Being Vocal for Local’ is being contentedly encouraged across the country. The Indian government in reaction to the Chinese advances called for boycotting the Chinese products citing the reasons such as low-quality products, issues relating to human rights, territorial conflicts with China, animal welfare issues relating to dog meat trade, and most importantly the mismanagement of China of alleged COVID-19 pandemic.
India being angry after the mentioned dismayed incident put a halt on bilateral trade with China. However, it should be noted that by the reason that China won’t feel the pain of the Indian boycott as China is the largest trade partner of almost all the countries where India has only a small share in its exports and imports.
Is Boycotting of China is worthy and luminary?
It is quite difficult for us to keep China out of our daily lives. There is a little bit of China in everything we consume and use. If India were to try and make all imported products from China at home, it would need a considerable reallocation of resources. Boycotting of Chinese goods would wipe out all the welfare gains and the cost of products made in India would become higher and people in India anyhow would suffer.
In order to exact revenge from China and harming our own citizens is deemed to be an ill move. However, India should produce goods by adopting the right policies in lieu of public good and national interest. We cannot boycott china all of sudden but can reduce our dependence on such products and services imported from China.
Conclusion-
In lieu of India-China conflict, the reaction of India to the Chinese advances is new and unique but is difficult at the same time. Notably, India’s dependence on Chinese products is much more than what it looks. By the reason of the availability of cheap labor in China, Chinese products are cheaper and affordable. However, a conscious consumer would buy the cheaper product irrespective of whether it is china made or India made. Perhaps, with the right policies and strategies, India can achieve its national interest over China. I understand that nothing is impossible if we collectively respond to this situation and adhere to the Indian pledge of ‘Being Vocal for Local’.
GURNEET KAUR
BBA LLB (H)
ICFAI UNIVERSITY
DEHRADUN
Email ID- gurneetkaur53@gmail.com
Beautifully written Gurneet!🙌🏻 Keep going.
ReplyDeleteThe article iswell written and is quite informative
ReplyDeleteNice bit Gurneet 👏👌
ReplyDelete