Union Ministry of Defence on Tuesday, 8 September, rejected China’s claim that the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control and fired “warning shots” near the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh. In turn, New Delhi accused Beijing “provocative activities to escalate”.
The Ministry of Defence stressed in a statement that India is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, and “at no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing”.
“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 added.
Earlier, spokesperson of China’s Western Theater Command, Colonel Zhang Shiuli, had claimed that while acting provocative, the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake. He said that during the operation, the Indian Army opened fire and threatened our soldiers.
