In a strong response to China, the Indian Army on Tuesday said it has not transgressed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) or used any aggressive means including firing as alleged by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of military provocation in eastern Ladakh. China’s PLA had on late Monday night alleged that Indian troops crossed the LAC and “outrageously fired” warning shots near the Pangong lake. The lake is the site of the latest confrontation between the two sides amid the larger conflict in the region for over three months now.

“At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing,” the Army said in a statement.

The Chinese Army in the wee hours of Monday alleged that Indian troops had “illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control and outrageously fired warning shots on Chinese border patrol soldiers who were about to negotiate”, prompting China to take countermeasures to stabilize the situation on the ground.

In a statement, the Army said it was the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive maneuveres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political levels is in progress.

The Indian Army further clarified and stated, “On 7th September, it was China’s 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 Army further noted that despite the "grave provocation", Indian troops exercised "great restraint" and behaved in a mature and responsible manner. The Army termed the statement issued by the Western Theater Command of the PLA as an attempt to mislead their domestic and international audience.

They further concluded by saying that the Indian Army is committed to maintaining peace and tranquility, however, is also determined to protect national integrity and sovereignty at all costs.

Also, track all the latest updates and developments on India-China border tensions with CNBC-TV18.com's blog

First Published:Sept 8, 2020 4:27 PM IST