Ladakh scuffle: After China's 'not aware' remark, India says yes it happened
New Delhi has also said that the scuffle in Ladakh must not be linked with the ongoing standoff with Beijing in Sikkim sector.
India on Friday confirmed that there was a scuffle between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh near Pangong Lake on August 15.
"Today, I can confirm that there was an incident at Pangong Tso on August 15. This was subsequently discussed by the local army commanders of the two sides. Such incidents are not in the interest of either side. We should maintain peace and tranquillity," external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
However, he did not confirm whether the incident involved stone pelting or use of rods and asserted that, "I just said there was an incident." He also emphasised that the incident should not be linked with what was happening in any other sector. The confirmation for New Delhi comes after Beijing issued a statement saying that it was 'not aware' about any such incident.
In response to a question on Ladakh scuffle, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying had said she was “not aware of the information”. Meanwhile, amid reports of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's probable visit to Beijing for BRICS summit, the external affairs ministry's spokesperson said he does “not have any information about it.
”Asked about the current status of Sikkim standoff, Raveesh Kumar said, "It is a sensitive issue... We will continue to engage with China to find mutually acceptable solution. Peace and tranquillity in border areas are important pre-requisites for smooth development of bilateral relations." However, he quipped, "I am not an astrologer, so cannot predict", when asked by when the Dokalam standoff will be resolved.
(With PTI inputs)