Chinese attempt to infiltrate Indian soil along banks of Pangong lake foiled; PLA troops hurl stones

Attempt by Chinese soldiers to enter Indian territory along the banks of Pangong lake in Ladakh was foiled by Indian guards which resulted in stone pelting that caused minor injuries to people on both sides, officials said on Tuesday.

Indian Army officials said that the soldiers of China’s People's Liberation Army (PLA) tried to infiltrate into Indian soil in two areas — Finger 1 and Finger 2.

Army spokesman in New Delhi declined to comment on the incident. The Indian soldiers had formed human chain to block Chinese infiltration. PLA soldiers started hurling stones at the Indian soldiers after they found their path blocked by Indian soldiers.

According to officials, soldiers from both the side have suffered minor injuries due to the stone pelting.

The situation was brought to control after customary banner drill. In the drill, security officials from both the sides hold banners before stepping back to their respective positions.

According to Army sources, PLA troops had managed to enter up to Finger Four area in the region from where they were sent back.

Finger Four area has been a bone of contention between India and China as both claim it to be a part of their territory.

When the Indian side staked claim to the area during negotiations in late 1990s, the Chinese army constructed a metal-top road and insisted it was part of Aksai Chin, which is under the latter's control, officials said.

China had constructed a road up to Finger Four which falls under Siri Jap area and is five km deep into the LAC.

Indian forces deployed in the region are armed with high-speed interceptor boats, bought from the US, which can accommodate nearly 15 soldiers and are equipped with radars, infra-red and GPS systems.

With PTI inputs