MEA confirms Chinese attempt to infiltrate Ladakh region on Independence Day

Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday confirmed the reports Chinese PLA soldiers entering Indian territory along the banks of Pangong lake in Ladakh on August 15.

"There was an incident on 15th August, it was later discussed by Army officers on both sides," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters in Delhi.

However, MEA didn't confirm the reports of a skirmish between the two Armies, neither provided more information about the incident that took place on country's Independence Day.

"I have not confirmed stone pelting or use of rods, just said there was an incident," Kumar said.

The statement of MEA comes after China denied having information about the scuffle between PLA and Indian Army and maintained that it was committed to peace and tranquillity along the border.

"I am not aware of the information I can tell you that the Chinese border troops are always committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity of the India-China border," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hu Chunying said on August 16.

Also Read | Ladakh scuffle: China says it has no information about PLA's incursion attempts

On August 15, Indian troops had foiled an incursion bid of Chinese PLA soldiers along the banks of Pangong lake in Ladakh which reportedly resulted in stone pelting that caused minor injuries to people on both sides.

The incursion bid of Chinese soldiers in Ladakh wasn't new and the PLA has been indulging in such un-military like practices in the past too. 

The Asian rivals have been locked in a serious looking border standoff in Doklam plateau for the last two months and a series of rhetoric full of perils is on from the Chinese side while India has maintained its stand to resolve the issue peacefully.