National News

Chinese PLA fired shots to intimidate troops, claims Indian Army

The Indian army today issued a statement after the Chinese PLA claimed that the Indian soldiers had fired warning shots at the Line of Actual Control

Sentinel Digital Desk

Guwahati: The Indian army today issued a statement after the Chinese PLA claimed that the Indian soldiers had fired warning shots at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

"India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate," the army said in a statement. It further added that at "no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to using of any aggressive means, including firing."

"It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive maneuvers, while engagement at the military, diplomatic and political level is in progress," the Indian army said, adding "In the instant case on 07 September 2020, 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. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner."

The Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however, is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs. The statement by the Western Theatre Command is an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience.

It is pertinent to mention here that China on Monday night claimed that Indian soldiers fired warning shots in a new confrontation at the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountains, near Pangong Tso lake's southern bank. This area has recently emerged as a new area for stand-off between both countries

This came days after the Indian and Chinese defence ministers met in Moscow on September 5.

Twenty Indian soldiers died in a violent hand-to-hand fight with Chinese troops at the Galwan valley on June 15. Although it has been reported that casualties were there on both sides, China is yet to acknowledge any casualties.