New Delhi: Following violent clashes with the Chinese army in the Galvan Valley, the army has changed the rules in view of such confrontations on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). After the rules are changed, only field commanders will be able to approve the use of firearms in ‘exceptional’ circumstances. The government has changed the rules on LAC. Under this, army field commanders have been empowered to allow soldiers to use weapons under special circumstances.
The Indian side is expected to discuss the matter with the Chinese Army during the proposed Corps Commander level talks to defuse the tensions.
As per the border agreement signed between the two countries in 1996 and 2005, both sides had agreed not to use firearms within two kilometres of the LAC.
Article 6 of the agreement on confidence-building measures in the military field along the LAC, signed in November 1996, states that both sides will not open fire or “conduct blast operations or hunt with guns or explosives within two kilometres from the Line of Actual Control”.
The clash in Galwan Valley was the biggest confrontation between the Indian and Chinese troops since the agreement was signed. The incident near Patrolling Point 14 claimed 20 personnel lives who removed a Chinese observation post from there.
Meanwhile, the Indian government is in talks with Russia to acquire 33 new fighter aircraft, including 21 MiG-29s and 12 Sukhoi-30MKIs. India has pushed the proposal under the emergency purchase so that the fighter jets that can be delivered at short notice.
