Telangana Army Colonel among 3 martyred in India-China face-off
Earlier in the day, the Indian Army had confirmed that a Colonel-rank officer in the Army was martyred along with two soldiers amid a violent face-off with Chinese forces in Ladakh. The Colonel-rank officer has now been identified as Colonel Santosh Babu of Suryapet, Telangana. He and the two other soldiers had attained martyrdom last night. Here are more details.
Colonel survived by wife, two kids
Reports confirmed on Tuesday evening that Colonel Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar regiment, had lost his life during the violent clash with Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh. The Colonel is survived by his wife and two kids. The two forces had clashed near Patrolling Point 14 late-Monday. The Chinese side also suffered casualties.
I'm both sad and happy, says mother
Speaking to reporters, Santosh's mother said, "I am both sad and happy," The News Minute reported. She said, "I am happy that my son sacrificed his life for the country but as a mother, I grieve his loss. He is my only son."
India-China border tensions escalated early-May
The India-China border situation had remained tense since early-May when the two sides clashed near the Pangong Tso lake in Eastern Ladakh. The trigger point was China's opposition to India's construction of a key road in the Finger area and another infrastructural project in Galwan Valley. Tensions escalated at several points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as both sides heightened troops.
Latest escalation comes amid peace talks
On Monday night, Indian and Chinese forces clashed with stones and metal clubs in Galwan Valley. Reportedly, no bullets were fired during the face-off. The latest escalation came even as India and China had been holding talks to come to a peaceful resolution. Senior military officials on both sides are meeting at the venue to defuse the situation, the Indian Army said.
Defense Minister holds key meet after face-off
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat, the three service chiefs and Minister of External Affairs Dr. S Jaishankar on Tuesday. Army Chief General MM Naravane's planned visit to Pathankot military station has also been canceled. Earlier reports that five Chinese soldiers were killed in the clash have since been disproven.
