PLA intrusion reported again from Barahoti

Chinese troops have reportedly intruded at least four times into the Indian territory at Barahoti area in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand so far this month. Though the administration is not confirming the intrusion of Chinese troops into Indian territory, reports suggests that the soldiers of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have violated the Indian territory on July 6, 7, 9 and 10. In one of these intrusions, 32 Chinese troops had reportedly come at least four kilometres into the Indian side, sources said. Taking cognisance of the reported incursion of PLA, the Chamoli district administration has sent a 17- member team consisting of personnel of revenue department to the area.

When contacted, the State chief secretary Utpal Kumar Singh declined to comment on the issue. He, however, added that the security forces and the administration are well-prepared to deal with any situation on the borders.

Notably, the Chinese troops had intruded into the Indian territory in Barahoti area on July 25 last year too when they reportedly chased away some Indian shepherds.  Barahoti is a high-altitude pasture land measuring about 80 square kilometres. As part of the agreement between India and China, the area is a demilitarized zone where troops of both the countries do not carry weapons while they patrol the area. As part of the measures meant to maintain geographical legitimacy   on the area, a team of Chamoli district administration regularly visits the pasture land.

Importantly, Uttarakhand shares a 375 km long international boundary with China spread over Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts. The State Government has recently started developing infrastructure as part of its effort to strengthen its position along the Sino- Indian border. The Indian Air Force too has increased its activity in the recent past and it has constructed airstrips in the strategically important areas in view of the threat perception vis-à-vis China.