China at it again! Troops intrude into Arunachal, camp for 2 days

In yet another face-off with Indian soldiers, Chinese troops had come more than 20 kilometres inside the Indian territory in Chaglagam area of Arunachal Pradesh on August 13 and stayed there for over two days.

However, the army headquarters sought to play down the incursion, saying the Chinese troops have gone back to their areas and such incidents keep taking place as both sides enter areas claimed by the other side while patrolling the disputed Line of Actual Control.

People's Liberation Army troops had come over 20 km inside Indian-claimed territory in Chaglagam area of Arunachal Pradesh and after they were stopped by the Indian troops, the two sides showed banners to each other to leave the area, sources said in New Delhi. However, the two sides held to their positions and the Chinese soldiers left after staying put for two-three days, they said.

The area falls under the 2 Division of the army and the deputy commander of the formation had also intervened to resolve the issue, they said.

The sources said paramilitary force the Indo-Tibetan Border police is also present in the area to guard the LAC there.

In April, Chinese troops had entered 19 km deep inside the Indian territory and pitched their tents in Depsang plains in Ladakh. They returned after a three-week standoff and several rounds of hectic parleys between the top officials of the two countries.

In the last eight months, army sources said there have been over 150 incursions by the Chinese side and that Indian troops also enter areas claimed by them during patrolling.

Image: People's Liberation Army troops have come 20 km into Arunachal Pradesh

Photograph: China Daily/Reuters