Guwahati: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command, Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita noted the recent border clash between Indian and Chinese forces in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday and stated that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) patrol’s infraction was “contested vigorously.”
The issue was further resolved thanks to a flag meeting held at the delegation level in Bumla, according to Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita.
“You all are aware that all across the border there are different perceptions in the Line of Actual Control (LAC), there are eight recognized disputed areas where the different perceptions are acknowledged by both sides. So in one of those areas, where there are different perceptions of the LAC, PLA patrol transgressed and which was contested very firmly,” the top military officer said.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that Chinese PLA troops had attempted to violate the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Yangtse region of Arunachal Pradesh and had unilaterally altered the situation.
“There were no fatalities or major casualties on our side,” Rajnath Singh clarified.
Lt Gen RP Kalita spoke to the media during the wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 51st anniversary of Vijay Diwas.
The chief army official stressed that the fight was controlled and advised the people not to believe any rumours about it.
“I am happy to say that it was contained at the local level. Though some minor injuries were there to soldiers of both sides. I would also like to request you to not to listen to any rumours, it was only minor injuries to soldiers from both sides,” he said.
“The local Commanders were able to resolve the issue by carrying out negotiations resorting to the existing protocols, which was followed by a flag meeting at the delegation level at Bumla, wherein the issue has been resolved further. Presently, I would like to assure you that the border areas along the northern frontier are stable and we are firmly in control,” he added.