‘Why No Mention of China in Tweet?’ Rahul Gandhi Asks Rajnath

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(Photo: The Quint)

After the killing of one army officer and two soldiers in a "violent face-off" between India and China on Monday night at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh, the Congress party has asked the government of India to convene a meeting to brief political parties about the ground situation at the border and also demanded that citizens be taken into confidence.

In total, 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives in the face-off, Indian Army confirmed on Tuesday evening. Taking to Twitter, Rahul Gandhi raised several questions in response to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s tweet of condolence.

“China has stolen our land. PM Modi ji why are you silent? Please come out. The nation is standing with you. Please come out and tell the people the truth,” he had said in a video message released earlier on Wednesday.

As many as 35 troops have died or have been injured on the Chinese side after the clash at the Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh on Monday, PTI reported on Wednesday, 17 June, citing official sources, who in turn quoted US intelligence reports.

Ministers Express Condolences With no Mention of China

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the loss of life “deeply disturbing and painful”. “Nation salutes our immortal heroes who sacrificed their lives to keep Indian territory safe and secure”, Shah said. Neither minister made any mention of China.

Meanwhile, BJP's party president JP Nadda said that the army gave a "befitting reply" to China and borders of India will remain intact under PM Modi. "We now have the political will and our army is fully equipped to take any adversity," PTI quoted him as saying.

Congress Demands Answers

"Death of Army officer, two soldiers in violent face-off with Chinese troops shocking and unacceptable," the Congress was quoted by PTI as saying.

“Twenty soldiers were martyred but government kept silent. Government should take citizens into confidence and tell them how China grabbed our land, how 20 jawans were martyred, what is the current situation and what is the government's strategy to deal with the issue,” Congress’ Randeep Surjewala told ANI.

Surjewala also posted a detailed response of the party questioning the silence of PM Modi on this issue.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram also expressed concern over the PM’s “worrying silence”.

CMs, Leaders Call for ‘Strong Response’

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh called for a strong response to the repeated violations of the Indian territory by China.

"Our soldiers are not fair game that every few days officers and men should be killed or injured defending borders," Singh said reacting to the development on border, which came as the armies on the two sides were reportedly in the process of disengagement.

"It's time now for India to stand up to these incursions that are blatant violation of our territorial rights and put a stop to such attacks on our territorial integrity," said the Chief Minister. Every sign of weakness on the part of India would make the Chinese reaction more belligerent, he added.

President of Nationalist Congress Party Sharad Pawar tweeted: “ Our army officers and jawans have lost their lives while protecting our nation from Chinese incursions in the Galwan Valley, Ladakh. May they rest in peace. Our armed forces will protect our borders with courage and determination. Heartfelt condolences.”