New Delhi: Army sources have confirmed an intrusion by Chinese troops on July 16-17 in the Daulat Beg Oldi Sector in eastern Ladakh last week. The intrusion took place at roughly the same place where the 20-day face off with Chinese troops took place in April.
"Intrusion did occur by less than 50 Chinese troops in that area," said Army sources. It was another incident of ceasefire violation by the Chinese army at the Line of Actual Control.
Army sources said both the sides unfolded banners claiming the territory as theirs and requesting the other side to turn back. The two sides then disengaged and went back to their respective areas, sources added.
Army sources said, "Differing perceptions about where the LAC lies in the area results in intrusion."
The PMO, Defence Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs have taken a note of the incident and India is reported to have sought a meeting with the Chinese at the Chushul border personnel point to discuss the issue.
Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal said there is no question of a weakness when it comes to security. "There are always problems on the borders. This is not new. But I can assure you that India is a strong country. There is no question of a weakness when it comes to security."
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party slammed the government and said it is a failure on the part of the government given the way it has been dealing with this matter. "China doesn't seem to take note of what our government has been saying on this matter," party spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said.
On April 15, a platoon-strength contingent of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) had come 10 km inside the Indian territory in Burthe in the DBO sector and established a tented post there.