New Delhi (NVI): Indian Army and Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had engaged in a minor face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Naku La area of North Sikkim on January 20, Indian Army confirmed.
“We have received several queries regarding a face-off between Indian Army and PLA troops in Sikkim sector. It is clarified that there was a minor face-off at Naku La area of North Sikkim on 20 January and the same was resolved by local commanders as per established protocols,” said the Army in a statement.
The brawl was resolved by local commanders as per established protocols.
Furthermore, Army added that media is requested to refrain from overplaying or exaggerating reports which are factually incorrect.
The Naku La pass, located at an altitude of 19,000 feet, connects Sikkim to the Tibet region in China and is known to be a sensitive area.
The incident has been reported a day after India and China held the ninth round of military talks to defuse border tensions in eastern Ladakh on Sunday.
The talks, which finished at around 2.30 am and lasted for more than 15 hours, were held at Moldo opposite Chushul in eastern Ladakh sector.
Both the sides have been engaged in a nine-month-long standoff at the LAC. Despite several levels of dialogue, there has not been any breakthrough and the deadlock continues.
Notably, Naku La was one of the original face-off sites, along with Pangong Tso, Galwan, Gogra, Hot Springs, in early-May last year.
