Border tension after Indian, Chinese soldiers clash at Tawang

Tensions on the eastern border have risen after a physical clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers at Tawang, which resulted in minor injuries on both sides. The clash took place along the Line of Actual Control on Friday, more than two years after the Galwan valley skirmish in June 2020 that resulted in fatal casualties.

Sources said that the clash did not involve firearms but clubs and sticks were used, resulting in injuries. The clash took place after close to 350 Chinese soldiers approached the contested border to target an Indian Army post and were physically stopped from crossing. "On 9 December, PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector, which was contested by own troops in a firm and resolute manner. This face-off led to minor injuries to few personnel from both sides," an Indian Army official said. Following the clash, a flag meeting was conducted between senior commanders on the border, with officials saying that troops immediately disengaged. "As a follow up of the incident, own commander in the area held a flag meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity," the official said.

Sources said that the intruding troops were identified well in advance, enabling Indian soldiers to confront them at the border. They added that an adequate number of troops were mobilised by the Indian side to prevent an intrusion and targeting of the post. Tawang has been a high tension border since 1962, when the Chinese invaded Arunachal Pradesh. Incidents of stand-offs and clashes have been regularly reported from the area, given differing claims on the border. "In certain areas along the LAC in the Tawang Sector in Arunachal Pradesh there are areas of differing perception, wherein both sides patrol the area up to their claim lines. This has been the trend since 2006," the official said.