New Delhi: The rules of engagement at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which had put certain restrictions on soldiers, have been changed, and the Chinese have been told about it both at military and diplomatic levels, ThePrint has learnt.
“The rules of engagement have changed. The Army commander on the ground will decide on the tactics to be used to counter any kind of aggression. There is nothing now that binds the commander from taking certain kinds of tactical decisions,” a source told ThePrint.
The decision comes following the clash Monday evening in the Galwan Valley, Ladakh, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers, including the commanding officer of 16 Bihar battalion, and injuries to several others.
Ten Indian soldiers were also taken hostage by the Chinese, but released Thursday after hectic negotiations at the military and diplomatic levels.
ThePrint on 17 June reported India is likely to review the rules of engagement and Standard Operating Procedures at the LAC in wake of the Galwan incident.
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‘India will counter forcefully any violence by China’
Sources said Army commanders will have the full freedom to put in use any instrument under his command for tactical operations as deemed fit.
One of the main questions was the use and carrying of firearms. Sources said, on the ground, the practice was that not all carried loaded firearms while on patrol.
The practice of not opening fire draws its inspiration from the 1996 agreement between India and China, which says “neither side shall open fire or conduct blast operations within 2 km of the Line of Actual Control”.
After the 5 May clash in Pangong lake, soldiers posted there were supplied with light anti-riot gear, including body armours, shields and fibre lathis.
“The Chinese have been told both at diplomatic and military levels that rules of engagement have changed. India will counter forcefully any kind of misstep or violence by China,” another source said.
Also read: To hit China, aim carefully. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot
One of th
E comment said the whole valley is under China … idiotic comment … Chinese have occupied LAC where both used to patrol.. now Indians r not allowed … plz don’t be so ignorant
We have nonsense politicians and hopeless leaders. Who by large came to reform the Nation. But once in power they have just performed for corruption and anti National policies. It’s a shame that we don’t have leaders who have guts to face the Chinese. Our PM is more interested in wearing designer dress and talking nonsense and making unwanted claims. Feel all is just drama to move attention from real matters faced by Indian economy.
Last so many years china did not raise any questions about Galwan Valley. Now demanding the Velley and fighting with India. Why international community is not raising questions to China.
My prayers r for our indian army I know they are very professional and trained and we have our pm modiji on our side so rest assured everything is going to be fine
…the control of the valley is now in the Chinese hand; their mission accomplished.
Have you seen personally. If not pl. keep quite.
China is in league with Pakistan in rogue behaviour. China cannot snatch Galwan valley now like snatching Aksai Chin in 1962. China must learn its lessons from its aggressive behaviour rather than forcing a war with India!
I think India is doing very well at world level and some countries willingly pushing him into fight to weaken both India and China. Please don’t fight, our citizens are suffering a lot due to poverty and hunger. Thanks
Tit for tat is how the Chinese should be treated , let’s give them a refreshers course of how rogue neighbours as them should be handled at all levels & times !
Firstly, no Indian soldiers were made PWs and secondly, the Peace & Tranquility Treaty was made in 1993 and not 1996.
Please don’t call Indians demented. Are you being paid by Chinese government for writing this absurd article.
Sameway China also will have freedom to use weapons.
Mutually assured distruction is a way of dissuading the enemy. Keeps both sides sane.
carrying weapons and using them has been now allowed. how about telling them to use common sense …
modi has to defend by giving some convention as the reason where as it was just mind boggling level of stupidity !!