Fresh faceoff between Indian, Chinese troops as tensions mount at LAC

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Sep 08, 2020: A day after shots were fired at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, Indian and Chinese soldiers are engaged in a fresh standoff at the heights around Rezang La. There are 40-50 Chinese troops facing-off with Indian troops that were holding on to mountain heights.

On Monday night, the Chinese army, in an attempt to dislodge the Indian Army occupying the heights, made an aggressive advancement towards Indian held positions and, when faced resistance, fired gunshots in the air.

With tensions escalating, the security brass has held deliberations since late last evening. On Tuesday morning, Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravanve briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the new developments.

After the skirmish on Monday evening, the Chinese were quick to put out a statement by late-night accusing Indian troops of transgressing the LAC and also firing warning shots.

The response from the Indian side hit back at Chinese claims. The Indian statement said, "At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to firing."

"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," the Indian statement said.

Indian Army has occupied crucial heights in areas around the south bank of Pangong Lake and the Chinese have made several attempts to take over Indian positions here.

On the south bank of the lake, which has become the new friction point, the Indian Army seems to be in an advantageous position.
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The Indian Army has occupied heights that allow it to dominate the Chinese Moldo garrison and the Spangur Gap under Chinese control. Both Indian and China lay claim to some of these heights.

One of the most critical heights the Indian Army is manning is the Rechin La, which the Chinese are protesting against.

From here, the Indian Army not just enjoys a vantage point for Chinese army military bases on the south bank of the Pangong Lake but can also be in the range of the Finger 4 area on the north of the lake on the opposite side.

Mountain spurs jutting out into the lake at more than 14,000 feet are referred to as fingers.

The focus shifted to the southern bank of the lake, that till now had been calm, as PLA troops on August 29-30 violated the previous consensus agreed in military and diplomatic engagements during the ongoing standoff in eastern Ladakh and carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo, the Indian Army had said.


courtesy: IndiaToday