Defence expert raises concern over fresh Chinese incursion

Defence expert, Lieutenant General (retired) P.N. Hoon, on Monday expressed concern over fresh Chinese incursion in Ladakh.

According to reports, troopers of People's Liberation Army (PLA) entered into the Indian waters in Pangong lake and intruded five kilometers in the territorial land.

Lieutenant General (retired) Hoon pressed upon the need to carefully gauge the Chinese incursion.

"The troops are entering into the Indian territory. Initially they had said one-third will be India's but now they are saying they will capture the entire lake. If they capture the entire region then there is threat to Leh and all of Leh and Ladakh will be captured by them," he said.

However, Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) observed the movement and blocked the Chinese troops. Later on, they had to return and Indian armed forces did not allow them to move forward.

Condemning the incursion, veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar termed it as unfortunate.

"Chinese are entering as they have entered towards Arunachal Pradesh. There has been war due to border dispute. India is speculating the matter but if this continues, there could be border clash, which will be unfortunate," said Nayar.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Sambit Patra said the Indian side will retaliate to any incursion.

"If any attempt of incursion is made by the Chinese army on the borders, the Indo Tibetan Police Force and the armed forces will give them a befitting reply and will not allow them to come to Indian soil," said Patra.

The two countries have increased their military presence on each side of the border in recent years as their fast-growing economies permit more spending on defense of remote regions. They hold frequent meetings to diffuse tensions, but high-level talks to resolve the dispute have not produced results.