Chinese troops 'intrude' 25 km into Ladakh
Source: The Sangai Express

New Delhi, August 19 2014: Chinese troops reportedly entered almost 25 km into Indian territory in Ladakh on Sunday, in an area close to where the two sides had a tense three-week standoff last year.

According to reports, the Chinese troops came deep into Burtse area in Ladakh.

A patrol of Indian troops noticed the People's Liberation Army (PLA) personnel while moving from their base in Burtse area of north Ladakh, at an altitude of around 17,000 feet.

Reports said about 1.5 km into their patrol, the Indian soldiers spotted Chinese personnel.

They were 25-30 km from the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) .

Chinese troops 'intrude' 25 km into Ladakh

According to the new border defence cooperation agreement between the two sides, primarily meant to avoid standoffs, the Indian troops withdrew to their base.

The troops went on a patrol again in the wee hours of Monday, but there was no change in the position of Chinese troops.

In fact, PLA personnel were sitting on the ground with flags reading "This is Chinese territory, go back" in their hands, the report said.

The Indian troops returned to their base and informed their higher ups.

However, Army officers here dismissed the reports, saying there was no such intrusion.

There is significant difference in the perception of Line of Actual Control between China and India, and ranges on an average 20 km.

What Indian troops might claim to be an intrusion could be Chinese troops being well within their territory by their perception.

The Burtse area, where the reported incursion took place, is adjacent to Daulat Beg Oldie, where the standoff took place last year.

The Chinese and Indian troops had a high profile 21-day standoff, which ended with local flag meetings but captured public imagination.