Col B Santosh Babu, CO of 16 Bihar Regiment, Among Three Indian Army Personnel Martyred During Violent Face-Off With Chinese Troops in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley

Colonel Santosh Babu, the Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment was among the three Indian Army personnel who attained martyrdom in the scuffle with the Chinese Army in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley on Monday night. According to reports, Col. Santosh Babu Belonged to Suryapet town in Telangana. The Colonel is now survived by his wife and two kids.

The other two soldier who lost their life in the scuffle have been identified as Havildar Palani from Jharkhand and sepoy Ojha from Jharkhand.  The Indian Army personnel attained martyrdom during the face off with Chinese soldiers in Galwan valley area near Patrolling Point 14.

Indian Soldiers Martyred During Face-Off With PLA Troops:

The Indian Army also inflicted heavy casualties on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. According to reports by Chinese media, five PLA soldier were killed, while 11 others injured in the clashes. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India in a statement said that the Chinese forces attempted to enter the Indian territory to “unilaterally change the status quo”. The MEA stated, “Both sides suffered casualties that could have been avoided had the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side.” India,China Face-Off in Ladakh: Indian Army Officer, 2 Soldiers Martyred in Violent Clashes in Galwan Valley; 5 PLA Soldiers Also Reportedly Killed.

MEA’s Statement:

BREAKING: @MEAIndia statement on the #IndiaChinaFaceoff in the #GalwanValley. Hours after China says the clash was triggered by India, now India says it was triggered by Chinese attempts to unilaterally change the status quo. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/60nlhVjKp1

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) June 16, 2020

However, China alleged the Indian troops crossed the LAC. Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, “China has lodged solemn representations with the Indian side and urged it to strictly restrain its frontline troops from crossing the border or taking any unilateral action that may complicate the border situation.”

Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in an eyeball-to-eyeball situation in Galwan Valley for the last five weeks. Talks are also going on between the two countries. The two armies are engaged in a standoff in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh.