Soldiers martyred in Galwan Valley standoff, celebs pay tribute

Monday night saw an unprecedented violent clash in Galwan Valley, Eastern Ladakh at Line of Actual Control (LAC) when Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers attacked a small group of Indian Army men on patrol, resulting in fatalities.

Almost twenty Indian Army men, including officers, were killed and sources say that the death toll is likely to go up as many soldiers have faced brutal injury.

The intensity of the fight increased with reinforcements from the both sides and it continued till the time they got exhausted. Many Indian soldiers went missing during the fight. Early on Tuesday morning, both Indian and Chinese top military officials rushed and called for a meeting to defuse the situation

In the wake of the demise of Indian army men, many celebrities offered their condolences to the surviving family members of the soldiers.

Akshay Kumar wrote, "Deeply saddened by the death of our brave hearts in #GalwanValley. We will forever be indebted to them for their invaluable service to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to their families (sic)."

Rakul Preet Singh tweeted, "Just at loss of words for what 2020 has subjected us to. The brave hearts Martyred at the #GalwanValley comes as terrible news. My heart goes out to their families. The nation salutes you #JaiHind #IndianArmy Face with cold sweat what will it take for peace to prevail (sic)."

Raveena Tandon reacted to the news on Twitter, writing, "Om shanti, my brave brothers. Condolences to the families. We are forever indebted (sic)."

Ajay Devgn wrote, "Salute every soldier who laid down his life protecting India’s border & honour. Jai Jawan, Jai Bharat. RIP Brave Hearts. My thoughts are with your families during this hour (sic)."

Yami Gautam, Madhuri Dixit and Hrithik Roshan's reactions to India-China face off.

“It leaves me with a heavy heart to know of the lives lost in Ladakh & the unrest we are faced with. Our defence stands tall on ground. My highest respect to the martyred in the line of duty. Condolences & prayers for their families. May the departed & living find peace” says Hrithik Roshan

“My humble gratitude to the Indian Army & our brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the safety of our nation. Sincere condolences to their families. Jai Hind”

—Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) June 17, 2020

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, actors Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma and others have expressed their deep pain and sadness over the killing of Indian Army personnel during a violent clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh.

Taking to Twitter, Bachchan quoted the iconic lines from "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo" penned by poet Kavi Pradeep.Â

''Zara aankh mein bhar lo paani, jo shaheed hue hai unki, zara yaad karo kurbani...'' They sacrificed their lives to protect our country, to keep us safe and secure. Salute Indian Army Officers and Jawans! Jai Hind," the actor said.

Taapsee Pannu posted, "As if Corona was not enough to fight with now we have to lose our brave hearts as well! Every soldier martyred is a loss no one can compensate for. The families of those soldiers lost their peace for a long time to come so that we all can have a sound sleep. Indebted"

Meanwhile, a number of high-level meetings took place in the national capital as Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met CDS General Bipin Rawat and the three service chiefs at least twice. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar too met to discuss the situation. This is the first time that there have been casualties in an India-China border skirmish since 1975.