India will protect every inch of its land, says PM

INDIA’S integrity and sovereignty is supreme for us, and no one can stop us from defending it. Nobody should have any iota of doubt about this.

NARENDRA MODI, Prime Minister

In a strong statement against the violent attack by the Chinese Army on Indian troops in the Galwan Valley, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India will protect every inch of its territory and the sacrifice of our soldiers will not go in vain.

Mr Modi said India wants peace but is also capable of giving a befitting reply, if it was instigated.

“India’s integrity and sovereignty is supreme for us, and no one can stop us from defending it. Nobody should have any iota of doubt about this. India wants peace. But on provocation, India will give a befitting reply,” said Mr Modi in his opening remarks on the day two of the virtual conference with Chief Ministers on the coronavirus crisis. The Prime minister said that whatever may be the situation and circumstances, India will firmly protect every inch of its land and its self-respect.

He asked those participating in the virtual interaction to observe two minutes of silence as a mark of respect for the slain soldiers. Some 20 Indian soldiers were killed during a clash with the Chinese Army in the Galwan Valley of the Ladakh Sector on Monday night.

“The brave sons of Mother India made the supreme sacrifice while protecting our motherland in the Galwan Valley. I salute them for their great sacrifice,” said Mr Modi.