India-China standoff worsens: China dares to send 50 more troops in Chumar

New Delhi: The ongoing standoff between Indian and Chinese security forces in the Ladakh region escalated further on Saturday as 50 more troops entered Chumar at a location different from the earlier intrusion.

Around 50 personnel of the People’s Liberation Army arrived in nine vehicles at Point 30R and positioned themselves barely 100 metres away from the Indian Army. The 30-R post in Chumar is of extreme strategic importance as the Indian Army has kept an observation post here which dominates the Line of Actual Control (LAC), keeping a vigil on Chinese activity .

Meanwhile, intelligence reports submitted to the office of the national security adviser revealed that at least 1,500 Chinese troops were present at different locations in the Chumar region itself and that an equal number of Indian personnel are stationed in the same sector.

The point of contention, however, is said to be a hillock close to an irrigation canal in the Chumar sector where at least 350 to 500 Chinese troops are said to be present. Sources said this particular location was very close to the LAC and had the biggest Chinese deployment, where troops were armed with armoured vehicles and even sniffer dogs.

Read: Bilawal Bhutto statement is immature, says BJP

"The Chinese troops are well equipped with essential items like food, water, medicines and even tents and seem prepared for a long haul. It is unlikely that they will withdraw in a hurry and restore the pre-September 10 position," the report said.

Following the feedback from security and intelligence agencies, NSA Ajit Doval had a series of meetings with the home and defence secretaries, the heads of the Intelligence Bureau and RAW and the director-general of military operations. Sources said that New Delhi has decided to take a tough stand and has instructed the security forces to ensure that the Chinese troops don’t advance any further.

Sources said the government has also decided to increase the deployment of troops in exactly the same proportion as that of the Chinese troops. "It seems the Chinese are taking a hard line on the issue following the return of Chinese President Xi Jinping from India to send out a message since Prime Minister Narendra Modi had strongly raised the issue of incursions with the visiting Chinese dignitary," a senior government functionary said.

India has already made it clear to China that such incidents of regular incursions can adversely impact relations between the two countries, particularly on the economic front. Some Chinese troops had withdrawn tactically during the visit of the Chinese President but returned to their positions again.