CHINA'S DIRTY GAME: The Clash of Clan in Galwan Valley

China continues to figure India now and then. But, its action on 15 June 2020 at Galwan Valley is what surprised the nation. The violent clash at Galwan Valley started between Indian troops and soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on the night of June 15, in which 20 soldiers from Indian side were martyrs, whereas they have also killed more than 41 soldiers of PLA. Though China from their side, never gave any figure of their casualties.

- Dr. K. K. Jhunjhunwala

According to media reports, a team led by Colonel Santosh Babu of 16 Bihar Regiment set out to hold a discussion with the Chinese side on June 15 as PLA troops were not returning back to their territory as per their commitment. During the discussions, the Chinese PLA deliberately aggravated the situation and PLA soldiers attacked the Indian delegation with sticks, stones and post wrapped in barbed wire.

The Galwan Valley is a home of Galwan River which flows from the Aksai Chin (now under China) region of Ladakh of India. The river is named after Ghulam Rasood Galwan, a Ladakhi explorer of Kashmiri descent, who first explored the course of river. The length of the river is about 80 kms and it is a fast flowing river which is also known as “River of Sorrow”. The climate is harsh with difficult terrain and variation in topography.

China is notorious and is into dispute with almost all its neighbours. It is the world’s most populous country in the world and third largest in the area. It has the largest number of neighbours (14), sharing its 22000 kms of land borders namely: North Korea, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. China’s policy of expansion of state like an organ is responsible for its dispute with all its neighbours. China has the biggest outstanding border issue with India.

INDIA AND CHINA