Team India captain Virat Kohli paid tribute to Indian soldiers, who were martyred in the Galwan Valley on Tuesday. A violent and unprecedented clash results in casualties on the Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The Indian Army has reported that twenty soldiers comprising a Colonel rank officer were killed in that face-off while there is no official confirmation on how many PLA soldiers have died.
Kohli tweeted on his social media and wrote, “Salute and deepest respect to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country in the Galwan Valley. NO one is more selfless and brave than a soldier. Sincere condolences to the families. I hope they find peace through our prayers at this difficult time.”
India limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma also grieved on the demise of soldiers and wrote, “Salute to our REAL HEROES who laid their lives protecting and honouring our border. May God give their families the utmost strength #GalwanValley.”
In an official statement, the Indian Army has said that “17 Indian troops who were critically injured in the line of duty at the standoff location and exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain have succumbed to their injuries, taking the total that was killed in action to 20.”
The army, in its statement, said, Indian and Chinese troops have extricated at the Galwan area where they had earlier clashed on Monday night. “Indian Army is firmly committed to protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation,” the Indian Army statement said.
As per news agency ANI, at least 43 Chinese soldiers have been killed or are fatally injured in the face-off with the Indian Army.
