‘18 Indian soldiers in hosp, 4 who were critical now stable’

China has kept silent on the number of its casualties in the clash. Radio and other intercepts on Tuesday suggested there were 43 “casualties” in the PLA ranks, which included the dead and grievously injured, as reported by TOI.
“There are some indications now that two PLA officers, including possibly the commanding officer of a unit, are among the dead in their ranks,” a source said on Wednesday. While Col Babu and two soldiers died on the spot after being attacked by PLA troops armed with nail-studded rods and stones, 17 Indian jawans succumbed to their injuries later. “There are 18 more soldiers admitted in the military hospital. Four were earlier critical but are stable now,” the source said.
The skirmish began after PLA soldiers, who after initially pulling back a little in tune with the de-escalation plan finalised by the commanders, returned to erect a “temporary post” in the shape of tents near ‘Patrolling Point 14’ on the Indian side of the Galwan valley on Monday.
After Col Babu and his team was attacked for objecting to the “temporary post”, both sides rushed in reinforcements that finally led to the clash that lasted several hours.