India, China soldiers clash at Naku La Pass in Sikkim, injuries on both sides

Updated : January 25, 2021 02:47 PM IST

It is reported that the clash took place as a Chinese Patrol tried to enter into Indian territory.

The soldiers of both countries remain deployed at the site after clashes

Soldiers of the Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army clashed at the Balwan area in Naku La Pass, Sikkim, three days ago. Injuries have been reported on both sides, sources said on Monday.

It is reported that the physical brawl took place as a Chinese Patrol tried to enter into Indian territory and was physically blocked by the latter. Naku La was the same site where the Indian and Chinese troops had engaged in a fierce clash on May 9 last year following a violent face-off between the two sides in Pangong lake area that triggered the military standoff in eastern Ladakh.

"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 2021 and the same was resolved by local commanders as per established protocols. Media is requested to refrain from overplaying or exaggerating reports which are factually incorrect," the Army released a statement.

The Indian and Chinese armies on Sunday held another round of Corps Commander-level talks with an aim to move forward on disengagement of troops from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh. Following the Ladakh standoff, the Indian Army has significantly bolstered its strength at all its bases along the nearly 3,500 KM-long LAC, the de-facto border between the two nuclear-powered Asian giants.

India has all along been maintaining that the onus is on China to carry forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points in the icy heights of eastern Ladakh. Close to 100,000 Indian and Chinese troops are deployed in eastern Ladakh as both sides have been holding on to their ground and showing readiness for a long-haul, amid continuing diplomatic and military talks to find an amicable solution.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recent development. He tweeted, "China is expanding its occupation into Indian territory. Mr 56” hasn’t said the word ‘China’ for months. Maybe he can start by saying the word 'China'."

China is expanding its occupation into Indian territory.

Mr 56” hasn’t said the word ‘China’ for months. Maybe he can start by saying the word ‘China’.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 25, 2021

Tensions soared in June last, after troops clashed in hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan valley in Ladakh, abutting the Chinese-held Tibetan plateau. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed, with China suffering an undisclosed number of casualties, and both sides ramped up their military presence, moving men, weapons and supplies to the high-altitude desert region.

Published : January 25, 2021 11:15 AM IST

India, China soldiers clash at Naku La Pass in Sikkim, injuries on both sides

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