Chinese intrusion at multiple spots in Ladakh, admits MoD

Document uploaded on ministry website deleted after two days

3 transgression sites at LAC

* China transgressed in Kungrang Nala (Patrolling Point-15), Gogra ( PP 17-A) and north bank of Pangong Tso on May 17-18, revealed MoD statement

*The document spoke of “prolonged” standoff and “sensitive” situation resulting from “unilateral aggression” by China.

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 6

China intruded into the Indian territory in eastern Ladakh at multiple spots, the Defence Ministry acknowledged in a document posted on its website on Tuesday.

The document and the link, however, were removed from the website this morning, though it’s not the first time that an official acknowledgement has come on “transgressions” along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Ministry of External Affairs has earlier spoken about “transgressions”, but it hasn’t ever mentioned specific locations. The MoD statement, however, had given details: “The Chinese side has transgressed in the areas of Kungrang Nala (Patrolling Point-15 north of Hot Springs), Gogra ( PP 17-A) and north bank of Pangong Tso on May 17-18.”

The document spoke about the “prolonged” standoff and “sensitive” situation resulting from “unilateral aggression” by China.

“The situation in eastern Ladakh arising from unilateral aggression by China continues to be sensitive. It requires close monitoring and prompt action based on the evolving situation,” it said.

It spoke about the ongoing dialogue: “The engagement and dialogue at military and diplomatic level is continuing to arrive at a mutually acceptable consensus, the present standoff is likely to be prolonged”.

The MoD website included the assessment in a four-page document on Tuesday, mentioning the ministry activities during the month of June. The document was removed on Thursday.

The Chinese aggression has been increasing along the LAC, particularly in the Galwan valley, since May 5, 2020, the MoD said in its document. It said ground-level interactions were held between the armed forces of both sides to defuse the situation. A flag meeting of corps commanders was held on June 6.

It also spoke about the second corps commander-level meeting on June 22 to discuss the modalities of de-escalation.

India and China have had five rounds of talks over de-escalation since June 6. The last one was on August 2.

India has been insisting that China should withdraw its forces from areas between Finger-4 and Finger-8, north of the Pangong Tso. India has rejected China’s request, asking the Indian Army to move back from its present military position north of the Pangong Tso. China suggested this on Sunday to break the LAC deadlock.