Fact check: Old video of clashes between India, China goes viral amid recent border escalation
Chandigarh, December 14: Amid face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday, old videos of scuffle between India and China surfaced on social media claiming to show recent Tawang clash.
So far, no official footage of the incident has been released, but several images and videos have circulated on social media claiming to show the recent clashes in Tawang. One such video is said to show a brawl between Indian and Chinese soldiers in a snowy area.
The video that went viral dates back to 2021 and shows Indian soldiers defeating Chinese troops trying to cross the LAC. Not only in Arunachal Pradesh, Chinese forces regularly try to invade Indian territory. It is also worth noting that China does not recognize Arunachal Pradesh as an Indian territory.
On Tuesday, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops tried to transgress the Line of Actual Control in the Yangtse area of Arunachal Pradesh Tawang Sector and unilaterally change the status quo.
Rajnath Singh stated that Chinese troops went back to their locations due to timely intervention of Indian military commanders. In his statement in the Rajya Sabha, Rajnath Singh said that "our forces are committed to protecting our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt made on it."
Explaining the incident, Rajnath Singh said, "On December 9, 2022, PLA troops tried to transgress the LAC in the Yangtse area of Tawang Sector and unilaterally change the status quo. The Chinese attempt was contested by our troops in a firm and resolute manner."
He further said, "The ensuing face-off led to a physical scuffle in which the Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from transgressing into our territory and compelled them to return to their posts," said Singh. He further said, "the scuffle led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides."
Rajnath Singh clarified that "there are no fatalities or serious casualties on our side"."Due to timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers went back to their locations," the minister added.
He informed the House that the local commander in the area held a "flag meeting with his counterpart on December 11 to discuss the issue in accordance with established mechanisms". He stated, "The Chinese side was asked to refrain from such actions and maintain peace and tranquility along the border. The issue has also been taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured the Rajya Sabha that "our forces are committed to protecting our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt made on it". He further said, "I am confident that this entire House will stand united in supporting our soldiers in their brave effort."
- PTC NEWS
