War-like situation at LAC, shots fired as China violates agreement

Mumbai : India has reacted sharply to China's false claims of Indian troops crossing border and firing shots on September 7 night. Indian Army on Tuesday asserted that no stage had its soldiers transgressed across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) or resorted to any aggressive means, including firing.

"While India is committed to disengagement & de-escalating situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate," the Indian Army said in a statement, adding that it is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres.

The fresh standoff took place at Rechin La to the south of Pangong Lake, where Indian troops recently gained advantage by occupying heights. Some 7,000 Indian soldiers are at the spot and tanks have also been deployed after last night's incident.

Indian Army further clarified that its soldiers handled the situation in the best possible manner, showed mature and responsible behavior.

"In the instant case on 07 September, it was China’s PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC & when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops," the Indian Army stated.

"We are committed to maintaining peace & tranquility, however are also determined to protect national integrity & sovereignty at all costs," it added.

Earlier, China claimed that Indian soldiers fired warning shots in the air during a confrontation. It had also claimed that Chinese troops took "countermeasures". Zhang Shuili, spokesman for the Western Command theatre, said in a statement: "We request the Indian side to immediately stop dangerous actions...and strictly investigate and punish personnel who fired shots to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again."