'Indian, Chinese troops were face-to-face in Chumar June 17'

Indian and Chinese forces were "face-to-face" in the Chumar sector of Ladakh after Chinese troops transgressed into the Indian side on June 17 due to "differing perceptions" of the boundary, an official source said Thursday.

The Chinese forces returned to their normal positions afterwards, the source said.
The Chumar sector is located about 200 km from Depsang where the April 15 intrusion by Chinese troops had taken place.

There are some "sensitivities involved due to differing perceptions" of the Line of Actual Control in this area. The Chinese troops "did transgress and did go back after a face-to-face", the source added.

The Chinese troops had entered the Indian side and had reportedly removed some observation cameras put up by India.

In Chumar, the Indian side is at a more advantageous position and has a proper road compared to the Chinese side. The Indian side also has observation cameras and are able to keep an eye on Chinese developments, which is known to irk the Peoples Liberation Army troops.

The Border Defence Cooperation Agreement, proposed by China earlier this year to maintain peace on the boundary, "is a work in progress", the source added.

Asked whether China has opposed India raising a new mountain strike corps for deployment in the Himalayas, the source said "it is not for any other country to tell us" what to do on the issue.