Retired Army officers describe violent face-off with Chinese troops as unusual; call for de-escalation

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 16

After the killing of a colonel and two soldiers during a violent clash between the Indian and Chinese armies in Galwan Valley in Ladakh on Monday, retired army officers described it as unusual and called for de-escalation.

Former Army Commander Northern Command Lt Gen BS Jaswal (retd) said, “This is an on-the-spot skirmish which has aggravated. As the news is unfolding, it has come out that the colonel (who succumbed to the injuries) fell down in the river. This implies that the Chinese have not withdrawn to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). They are still on the river line. They had come well prepared with gloves, nails etc and I think tempers do go high when an officer is killed. I believe the Chinese have also lost their people.”

He said, “Knowing that it was an on-the-spot escalation, there is no deliberate attempt here. We should deescalate from here at the military and MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) level. It is best for both the countries.”

Lt Gen HS Panag (retd), former Army Commander of Northern and Central Commands, in a tweet, described the incident as government’s Kong La moment. “At present, circumstances are not known. Whatever is being told to us is the official statement of the Army. There is no independent reporting. It is unusual for soldiers, that too an officer, to get killed like this. We have had a similar face-off in the first week of May too. But lies were being spread whereas situation on the ground was serious.”

In another tweet, Lt Gen Panag said, “I am deeply anguished that we came to this pass despite clear warning of Chinese intentions for the last four weeks.”

Defence expert Maj Gen Raj Mehta (retd) said, “The incident happened during withdrawal. No bullets were fired. The matter should be investigated. The good thing is that both countries are talking to each other. Galwan area is the neck of Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO). All supplies are made through DBO. It can’t be compromised.”

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