New Delhi: New Delhi registered its protest to China against the killing of 20 Indian Army personnel in no uncertain terms.
External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar had a telephonic conversation with the State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yit on Wednesday when he spelt out that the Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action which was directly responsible for the resultant violence and casualties in Galwan Valley on Monday.
Dr Jaishankar recalled that an agreement had been reached on de-escalation and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during a meeting of senior military commanders held on June 6.
“Ground commanders were meeting regularly to implement this consensus throughout last week. While there was some progress, the Chinese side sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on our side of the LAC. While this became a source of dispute, the Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties. It reflected an intent to change the facts on ground in violation of all our agreements to not change the status quo,” said Dr Jaishankar.
The External Affairs ministry said that this unprecedented development will have a serious impact on bilateral relationship between India and China. They felt the need of the hour was for the Chinese side to reassess its actions and take corrective steps, so that the understanding reached on June 6 be seriously implemented.
“Troops of both sides should also abide by the bilateral agreements and protocols. They should strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control and should not take any unilateral action to alter it.”
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