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The Indian army on Monday accused China of making “provocative” moves on its disputed border with the Himalayas, near where 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a battle in June.
A statement from the Defense Ministry said the incidents occurred in eastern Ladakh on Saturday night, but did not indicate whether there was a new clash.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army troops “carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo” at the border, he said.
He added that the two sides were holding military talks on Monday.
On June 15, troops from both sides fought hand-to-hand combat in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. China also acknowledged the casualties, but did not provide figures.
New Delhi and Beijing have blamed each other for the latest border tensions between the two sides that fought a border war in 1962 and have been embroiled in regular clashes ever since.
The Chinese and Indian armies have sent tens of thousands of troops to the region since the June fighting. But their military and diplomatic talks to ease tensions are at an apparent stalemate.
The Indian statement said Chinese troops “violated the consensus” to ease border tensions.
“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,” the ministry said.
“A flag meeting is being held at the brigade commander level in Chushul to resolve the issues.”
Beijing did not confirm the incident, but said Chinese border troops “have always strictly adhered to the Royal Line of Control and have never crossed the line,” referring to the unofficial border.
“Border troops from both sides have maintained communication on issues on the ground,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference on Monday.
ja-tjx / rox / tom
