India-China standoff live: We must be united in our response to China, says former PM Manmohan Singh

We remind the Government that disinformation is no substitute for diplomacy or decisive leadership. The truth cannot be suppressed by having pliant allies spout comforting but false statements: Manmohan Singh

We call upon the PM and Govt to rise to the occasion, to ensure justice for Col. B. Santosh Babu and our jawans who have made ultimate sacrifice and resolutely defended our territorial integrity. To do any less would be a historic betrayal of the people’s faith: Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh

This is a moment where we must stand together as a nation and be united in our response to this brazen threat, says Manmohan Singh

The Prime Minister cannot allow them to use his words as a vindication of their position and must ensure that all organs of the government work together to tackle this crisis and prevent it from escalating further: Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh

We cannot and will not be cowed down by threats and intimidation nor permit a com-promise with our territorial integrity: Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh

The Prime Minister must always be mindful of the implications of his words and declarations on our Nation’s security as also strategic and territorial interests: Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh

Our Government’s decisions and actions will have serious bearings on how the future generations perceive us. Those who lead us bear the weight of a solemn duty: Dr Manmohan Singh

We lost twenty brave soldiers in the Galwan Valley. They laid down their lives in the ultimate act of sacrifice, valour and duty to our country. Our brave hearts defended the motherland till their last breath and for that we owe them, and their families, our eternal gratitude. However, their sacrifice cannot be allowed to be in vain: Former PM Manmohan Singh

This is a moment where we must stand together as a nation and be united in our response to this brazen threat: Press Statement by Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh

‘Batman, not bats’: Jibe at China in Army’s Bihar Regiment tribute

Hours after PM Narendra Modi saluted the valour of the Bihar Regiment in the Galwan Valley skirmish with Chinese troops, a video tweeted by the Army’s Northern Command late Saturday to celebrate the unit’s battle history appeared to take a dig at China with the legend: “Born to fight. They do what they do. They are not the bats. They are the Batman.” The 1-minute, 57-second clip begins with the line “Friends, Indians, countrymen, lend me your years” and harks back to the Kargil conflict 21 years ago before going on to illustrate how the Bihar Regiment has its name etched on every major milestone for the Army — 1857, 1948, 1965, 1971 and 1999. Read more

Govt changes LAC rules, gives forces ‘full freedom’ to ‘respond adequately’

India is determined to impose costs on Chinese troops if they attempt any further misadventure on the border, officials said on Sunday after defence minister Rajnath Singh reviewed operational readiness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with the military brass here. The armed forces have been given “full freedom” to respond in an “adequate and proportionate manner” to any hostile act in accordance with their judgement. “They have been told not to start a fight, but also not to hold back in the event of any ground intrusion or breach of airspace. The Army, Navy and IAF reported satisfactory levels of preparedness and high operational alertness along the LAC,” an official said. Read more

Tribute to our brothers. You gave up everything for us. We will never forget these sacrifices: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to Indian soldiers who lost lives during India-China border face-off.

Public are expressing anti-China opinion all over the country by holding protests and also paying homage to the martyrs. There is a need to voluntarily boycott Chinese products to the extent possible: G Kishan Reddy, MoS Home Affairs

UP kids headed to China border stopped by police

Defence Minister holds meeting with Chief of Defence Staff and three service Chiefs on situation in Ladakh; Armed forces were given full freedom to deal with any aggressive behaviour by China's PLA along the LAC

Read: Congress poses 5 questions to Centre over India-China border situation

"Isn't the statement of PM an affront to the valour & supreme sacrifice of Col. B.Santosh & 19 Jawans who sought to evict the Chinese from our territory in Galwan Valley? Does the govt mean that their sacrifice was in vain?" Kapil Sibal asked while quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement at the all-party meeting that "no one has entered our territories, no one is at present within our territory and no one has occupied our posts".

Read: Army given full freedom to deal with China, says MoS Kishan Reddy

There is a deep anti-China sentiment on the rise in the country. The public are expressing anti-China opinion all over the country by holding protests and also paying homage to the martyrs. There is a need to voluntarily boycott Chinese products to the extent possible. Public in the country wants that," the Minister said.

Read: Opposition MPs demand Parliament panel meeting, briefing by foreign secretary on Galwan incident; BJP members oppose

A meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on external affairs should be called at the earliest and briefed by the foreign secretary, defence secretary and other top officials on the violent faceoff with China in which 20 Indian soldiers died, several panel members from the opposition parties said on Sunday.