In a confirmation about incursions from the Chinese troops into Indian territory on 19th July, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat said that Chinese troops have been spotted at the demilitarized stretch of international border along Barahoti in Chamoli district of the hill state. More worrisome is that the intruders had also come face to face with the Indian soldiers.
“The information is true and the situation is worrisome. Our border area has been peaceful so far and since the beginning we have demanded to increase vigilance.” the CM said to the media according to DNA. The movements of the Chinese forces were seen when the state revenue officers went there to measure the area.
The area of incursion which measures around 80 square km is a grazing ground for shepherds from both countries which is claimed by both. This incursion was a rather serious one owing to the face-off between armies for about an hour before pulling off.
The state government has already report the issue to the center and the state government expects that the center would take the necessary cognizance. Though the troops did not touch an important canal in the area, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that the government has asked the Indo Tibetan Border Police, to look into the matter.
“We will seek a report. We need to see how deep into our territory they came.” said Kiren Rijiju.
This incident was not the first of its kinds as the state shares around 350 km boundary with China, such incursions had occurred in the past too. It is reported that between 2007-2012, not less than 37 such incidents were reported by the then state government. Even incidents as the Chinese troops were known to have trespassed over and write ‘China’ on the rocks in the area.
According to reports delegations from both countries had agreed to not deploy troops in the area since 1957 but the claim is still not settled.
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