The Chinese media has criticized the Galwan hero, Indian Army Captain Soiba Maningba Rangnamei, as a Naga tribesmen “who showcase their warfare prowess to integrate into the mainstream society of India”. Soiba was seen leading his men upfront in a recent footage of a violent face-off in Galwan Valley.

The felicitation of Captain Rangnamei by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh was slammed by the Chinese state media and they alleged Rangnamei for initiating the fight.

The article states : “Rangnamei is from one of the Naga tribes, an ethnic group native to northeastern India and northwestern Myanmar. In order to integrate into the mainstream society of India, they often showcase their warfare prowess with acts. In the video, it can be clearly seen that Rangnamei and Indian soldiers were forcibly crossing the river and charging ahead. Qi and PLA soldiers were clearly stopping them in the river. The river is usually the demarcation of the border, or line of actual control. The video is solid evidence that the Indian army was destroying peace on the border area and trying to change the status quo there.”

24-year-old Captain Rangnamei from Manipur’s Senapati district was seen in a recently published footage of a violent face-off in Galwan Valley where he was leading his men upfront, confronting China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops for national security.

“The Indian side’s awarding of Rangnamei has encouraged the Indian army to be reckless. If Indian side promotes such an ideology, it will put the country at long-term risks,” the article states.

The article was authored by the publication’s editor-in-chief that further states: “At least 20 Indian soldiers died during the Galwan Valley clash, far more than China’s loss. While Indian society boasts with pride, deep down it actually feels frustrated about its army’s inabilities.”

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh praised Captain Rangnamei for leading his men during the clash against Chinese troops last year.

Biren Singh tweeted, “Meet Capp Soiba Maningba Rangnamei from Senapati district, Manipur of 16-Bihar regiment, leading his men in Galwan during the confrontation against the Chinese PLA (People’s Liberation Army). The valour you have shown while standing up for the Nation has made all of us proud”.