A lot of tension has been brewing between India and China at the border for a few months now, and on June 15th, the Chinese military forces took our armed forces by surprise when they attacked them out of the blue.
This sudden incursion on China’s part was observed by satellites, and left 20 of Indian soldiers dead. The Chinese forces are said to have lost 45 of their soldiers, but no official statement has been made by China on the matter yet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had remained painstakingly silent on the matter for a long time, not saying much about the attack or its ramifications, attracting unwanted attention towards him from several people, including the opposition. Rahul Gandhi has constantly been asking the Prime Minister for answers on the issue, and he has finally got them today with the PM’s surprise visit to Leh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise visit to a forward post based in Ladakh today, and interacted with the armed forces stationed there. He chose a safe spot against the backdrop of Zanskar Mountains for assembly, so as to make sure that he could address as many army personnel as possible.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief MM Naravane as he toured the area, met with all the soldiers and was briefed about the face-off between the Chinese Forces since early May. The Prime Minister’s speech turned out to be a morale boosting and inspirational one to all the soldiers and officers stationed at the camp. He described the soldiers as “the braves of the soil” and said that the “Bharat Mata’s enemies have seen your fire and fury”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that the bravery and courage of the Indian armed forces are unparalleled, that their arms are as strong as the mountains and that their confidence, determination and belief are as immovable as the peaks that surround them.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the unforgiving weather conditions that all these soldiers and officers have to work in, the strength with which they do it and said that the Indian Armed forces have proved time and again that they are mightier and better than anyone else in the world. He said that the dedication of these officers has shown through their meticulousness, and that this has sent a very strong and bold statement to the entire World about their power.
Lastly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked and saluted all the soldiers that laid down their lives to protect their motherland, and said that history wouldn’t forget them. He said that every corner, every stone, every river and every pebble here in Ladakh will forever remember that their sacrifice is an integral part of India.