In a rare statement on the current standoff involving thousands of soldiers from each side in eastern Ladakh, the Army said it has strengthened its positions and preempted PLA action in the region.
“On the night of August 29-30, 2020, PLA troops violated the prior consensus reached during military and diplomatic clashes during the ongoing clash in eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo. Indian troops anticipated this PLA activity on the southern shore of Pangong Tso Lake, took steps to strengthen our positions and thwart Chinese intentions to unilaterally change the facts on the ground, ”said Army spokesman Colonel Aman Anand .
The southern shore of Pangong, an area widely known as the Chushul sector, has been an area of concern since the fighting began in early May, with a massive build-up of Chinese troops throughout LAC.
Sources said there was a massive troop movement to Chushul on Sunday after reports of the new Chinese aggression came in. The military is not sharing additional details on what provocation military moves mean or whether the PLA has violated the LAC at a new time. A meeting of flags is underway to resolve the crisis.
“The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility through dialogue, but it is also equally determined to protect its territorial integrity. A flag meeting is being held at the brigade commander level in Chushul to resolve the issues, ”said Colonel Anand.
The border crisis with China remains a major source of concern as the PLA refuses to withdraw from the north shore of Pangong Tso Lake in the finger area. PLA troops have taken up positions deep within Indian-claimed territory in a feature known as Finger 4, cutting more than 50 square kilometers of land that was previously being patrolled by both sides.
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