Ensure justice for 20 Indian soldiers killed by Chinese: Manmohan Singh to PM Modi

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday known as on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the federal government to rise to the event and guarantee justice for the 20 troopers who died in a conflict with Chinese troops and defended India’s territorial integrity.

“To do any less would be a historic betrayal of the people’s faith,” he mentioned in an announcement.

In his first remarks on the border standoff, Singh mentioned China is openly and illegally searching for to say components of Indian territory, equivalent to Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake, by committing a number of incursions from April onwards.

“We cannot and will not be cowed down by threats and intimidation nor permit a compromise with our territorial integrity,” he mentioned.

“We, the nation, lost twenty brave soldiers in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh on June 15-16. They laid down their lives in the ultimate act of sacrifice, valour and duty to our country. Our brave hearts defended the motherland till their last breath and for that we owe them, and their families, our eternal gratitude,” Singh mentioned.

Also learn: Rajnath Singh meets chiefs, says preserve strict vigil alongside LAC

Their sacrifice can’t be allowed to be in useless, the senior Congress chief asserted.

The Congress has been repeatedly asking the federal government to be clear on the standoff and inform the nation about Chinese transgressions.

Modi not too long ago mentioned there are not any Chinese troops on the Indian facet of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and no Indian posts have been captured.

Singh mentioned, “At this moment, we stand at historic cross-roads. Our government’s decisions and actions will have serious bearings on how the future generations perceive us. Those who lead us bear the weight of a solemn duty.”

He added, “And in our democracy that responsibility rests with the office of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister must always be mindful of the implications of his words and declarations on our nation’s security as also strategic and territorial interests.”

Singh additional mentioned the Prime Minister can not enable the Chinese to make use of his phrases as a vindication of their place and should be certain that all organs of the federal government work collectively to sort out this disaster and stop it from escalating.

“This is a moment where we must stand together as a nation and be united in our response to this brazen threat,” he mentioned.

Also learn: Rajnath Singh meets chiefs, says preserve strict vigil alongside LAC

“We remind the government that disinformation is no substitute for diplomacy or decisive leadership. The truth cannot be suppressed by having pliant allies spout comforting but false statements,” Singh mentioned.

Indian and Chinese border troops have been engaged in a months-old border standoff, with the Galwan Valley in Ladakh the main focus of tensions. The state of affairs was exacerbated by a violent conflict on June 15 that left 20 Indian troopers lifeless. Several rounds of talks by diplomatic and navy channels have didn’t make a breakthrough and facilitate de-escalation and disengagement.