Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday expressed profound grief over the loss of lives of 20 Indian Army personnel including a Colonel in the violent face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh on June 15, saying that the pain "cannot be put in words".
"The pain of losing our brave soldiers while protecting our motherland at Ladakh's Galwan can not be put in words. Nation salutes our immortal heroes who sacrificed their lives to keep Indian territory safe and secure. Their bravery reflects India's commitment towards her land," tweeted Shah.
The violent clash started on late evening and night of June 15 in Ladakh's Galwan Valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to unilaterally change the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India said on Tuesday.
At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in the violent face-off, government sources had revealed and added that the casualty numbers could rise.
Indian intercepts revealed that the Chinese side suffered 43 casualties including dead and seriously injured in the violent clash. The commanding officer of the Chinese Unit is among those killed, sources confirmed to .
( With inputs from ANI )