Bengaluru: Bihar Regiment's Commanding Officer Colonel Santosh Babu, who laid down his life in the Galwan clashes will be honoured with Mahavir Chakra, the second highest war time gallantry award. 

So as per reports, the clashes are being considered a war as Gallantry award is wartime gallantry award. 

As many as 20 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in the line of duty at the India-China border last June.

Col Bikumalla Santosh Babu of the 16th Bihar Batallion was one such.

There were reports earlier that his father B Upendra, upon hearing the news of the death of his son, had not cried, but put up a brave face.

It was reported that he said, “I was always aware that one day I could hear what I heard today, and I was mentally prepared for it. Everyone dies but it is a privilege to die for the country and I am proud of my son.”

It is also to be noted that Santosh had fought in Kupwara and he had even received plaudits for it.

Col Babu had joined the Sainik School at Korukunda in Andhra Pradesh and had eventually committed his life to the uniform.

The last conversation:

It was reported that Santosh spoke to his parents on June 14. He had said when asked about the matter there thus: “I am not supposed to tell you anything. You should not ask me that. We can talk when I am back with you”.

A note on the incident:

It all began when Indian soldiers dismantled a Chinese tent at Patrol Point 14, which is close to the mouth of the Galwan river. The tent had been dismantled following a meeting between Lieutenant General Harinder Singh, who commands the Leh-based XIV Corps, and Major-General Lin Liu, the head of the Xinjiang military district. 

But just within two days, it should be noted that the PLA set up a fresh tent at Patrol Point 14. This was in clear violation of the agreement.

Another intelligence report by the US had claimed that a senior Chinese commander ordered the attack against Indian soldiers.