Scuffle between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh as two incursion bids by PLA foiled

Indian soldiers on Tuesday stopped an attempt by Chinese soldiers to enter Indian territory along the banks of the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, according to PTI. The incident resulted in stone pelting, which caused minor injuries to both sides. The situation was later contained. PTI reported that PLA soldiers tried to enter the Indian side in two areasFinger Four and Finger Fivetwice between 6 am and 9 am on Tuesday. But on both occasions they were stopped by Indian troops, who had formed a human chain.

Having found their path blocked, the Chinese soldiers allegedly began hurling stones, which led to a retaliation from the Indian soldiers, according to PTI. Soldiers from both sides sustained injuries. The situation was brought under control after the customary banner drill under which both sides hold banners before stepping back to their respective positions. The army officially didn't comment on the incident. Government sources said that the incident happened due to differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control. They added it is regular patrolling behaviour of the Chinese troops in Ladakh.

Finger Four area is a bone of contention between India and China as both claim it to be a part of their territory, according to PTI. When the Indian side staked claim to the area during negotiations in late 1990s, the PLA constructed a road and insisted it was part of Aksai Chin, which is under the latter's control. China had constructed a road up to Finger Four which falls under Siri Jap area and is five km deep into the LAC.


Furthermore, the situation along the banks of the lake has always remained volatile with Chinese troops being intercepted by Indian Army patrols several times after the three-week long stand-off in the Depsang plains in May 2013. Meanwhile, there were no Border Personnel Meetings between the Indian and Chinese armies.

PTI reported that the two sides exchanged sweets at Nathu La. The Army and ITBP personnel took part in the informal exchange of sweets at Nathula, located close to Dokalam where the two armies are face-to-face for over two months now.