When Vajpayee took flock of sheep to Chinese-embassy to protest
What's the story
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the legend among men, passed away on Thursday evening. Much has been written, said and covered about his statesmanship, his achievements, his poems and the genius in general. Along with all these, Atal ji also knew how to make a noticeable protest. So when China made allegations that we stole sheep, the former PM took a flock to the embassy.
The protest
An MP, Vajpayee, protested against Chinese accusations uniquely
Documents, dated 1965, hinted that China accused Indian troops of stealing 800 sheep and 59 yaks, and demanded its return. This, plus, territorial intrusions set the stage for 1967 Indo-China conflict. Vajpayee, then just an MP, took a flock of sheep to the Chinese embassy. Placards read, "Eat me but save the world", in a protest to the farcical allegations and threat of war.
The reaction
China wrote a letter to India claiming government supported protest
Taken aback that its bullying was exposed by a protest, China wrote an angry letter to the Indian embassy. China claimed the protest was backed by the Indian government. India replied saying they knew nothing about the sheep, and about the other four Tibetans who crossed the border, the letter said they are free to go back. Vajpayee managed to make his point.
Do you know?
Later, during 1967 conflict, India defeated Chinese troops
It's not hidden that China was looking for excuses to start a battle. Later in the 1967 conflict, India emerged victorious. As compared to 80 dead soldiers on the Indian side, around 300-400 Chinese soldiers lost their lives.
The statesman
The tallest Indian politician leaves the stage
With the death of one of the tallest leaders, Indian politics will never be the same. Throughout his career spanning decades, Vajpayee donned many hats: a staunch opposition leader, an Indian representative in the UN, the PM who made India a nuclear state and a remarkable orator. His funeral will be held, today, at Smriti Sthal at 4 PM.