New Delhi: Tension appears to be on the rise along the Sino-Indian border along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as for the first time in over four decades, shots were fired on the evening of September 7 in the Chushul sub sector in Eastern Ladakh, where over 10,000 troops from each side have been engaged in a tense standoff since the end of August.
The Indian Army has said that People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops tried to close in on to one of its forward positions in the sector and even fired a few rounds in the air as an intimidation tactic. It did not say if anyone was injured in the incident.
Late on September 7 night, the PLA issued a statement, saying that the Indian Army had crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and when its troops went to negotiate with them, warning shots were fired by the Indian side. Both sides are effectively blaming each other for the shots fired.
“In the instant case on 7 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner,” Indian Army spokesperson said.
The Army has blamed China for conducting grave provocations on the ground, while talking of peace at bilateral meetings. “India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate. At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing. It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress,” the spokesperson added.
In its statement, the PLA has referred to the area of the clash as Shenpao mountain. India has not mentioned the area of the incident but says it is on its side of the LAC. The Indian side has also termed the PLA statement as misleading.
“The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity, however is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the (PLA) Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience,” the spokesperson said.
According to reports, over 10,000 soldiers from each side, besides heavy weaponry like artillery guns and tanks are now deployed in the Chushul sub sector along the southern bank of Pangong Tso lake. Indian Army has taken control of key heights and passes in the area over the past 10 days to prevent the PLA from moving forward.
