EAM Jaishankar slams Rahul Gandhi for saying Chinese soldiers have beated our soldiers

The word "pitai" should not be used for our jawans... “We should not criticise our jawans directly or indirectly. Our soldiers are standing at a height of 13,000 feet in Yangtse and guarding our border. They should be respected and appreciated,” said External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar said in Lok Sabha on Monday.

In a press conference Rahul Gandhi used "pitai" word in his statement in light of the recent India-China LAC clash in Arunachal’s Tawang sector, that took place on December 9.

Minister S.Jaishankar on Monday took at dig at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Pitai’ remark and said, “There is no problem with criticizing politically but the word "pitai" should not be used for our jawans.”

EAM S.Jaishankar spoke on India-China relations in light of the recent LAC clash in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector. “Directly or indirectly, Indian jawans should be honored. They don’t need any insult,” he said.

“We have no problem with political criticism but we should not disrespect our jawans. I have heard that, my own understanding needs to be deepened. When I see who is giving the advice I can only bow and respect. The word ‘pitai’ should not be used for our jawans,” Jaishankar hit out at Rahul Gandhi without naming him.

Flagging a “clear threat from China” amid the ongoing border row, Gandhi also had claimed that the neighbouring country is “preparing for war” and alleged that the Centre is “hiding and not accepting it”.

Meanwhile on Monday, the External Affairs minister further added, “If we were indifferent to China then who sent the Indian Army to the border? If we were indifferent to China then why are we pressuring China for de-escalation and disengagement today? Why are we saying publicly that our relations are not normal?”