Indo-China border saw multiple acts of stand-off within a span of a day across Sikkim and Eastern Ladakh. Both countries have downplayed the incidents as usual with no imminent threats.
Crux of the Matter
Scuffle in Sikkim The first aggression occurred in Naku La, in the north-eastern Sikkim. Around 150 soldiers took part in the fight, which involved stone-pelting and fist-fighting. Soldiers from both sides incurred minor injuries. Both countries have played down the act, marking it as an accident due to a lack of clear demarcation of the boundaries.
Ladakh Next A similar incident occurred after the Sikkim stand-off, this time in Eastern Ladakh. Chinese choppers were spotted near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Indian Air Force fighter planes reached the spot immediately to monitor the border’s condition. Some claimed that the Chinese choppers did not cross the border and that Indian fighter planes arrived only to inspect the condition without any intent of action.
Previous Stand-offs
In 2013, Chinese troops set up tents inside the Indian border in Eastern Ladakh. A face-off ensued, which was defused soon.
In 2014, Chinese soldiers and villagers stopped Indian workers creating a canal at the LAC in Demchok.
In 2017, disputed territory Doklam saw a 73 day long stand-off due to Chinese attempt of constructing a road. The stand-off was ended by both countries with a mutual agreement.
Indo-China history: A Timeline
Curiopedia
Aksai Chin is a part of the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh. It is also claimed by China as part of Xinjiang and Tibet. The etymology of both the words Aksai and Chin is disputed. Some sources state the meaning of Aksai as a “white stone desert” while some as “white brook”. And for the word Chin, while the majority of the sources cite it as China while sources say that the word means “pass”.
Sikkim became a princely state of British India in 1890. After 1947, Sikkim continued its protectorate status with the Republic of India. It enjoyed the highest literacy rate and per capita income among Himalayan states. In 1973, anti-royalist riots took place in front of the Chogyal’s palace. In 1975, the monarchy was deposed by the people. A referendum in 1975 led to Sikkim joining India as its 22nd state.
The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, known as the Panchsheel Treaty: Non-interference in others internal affairs and respect for each other’s territorial unity integrity and sovereignty, are a set of principles to govern relations between India and China. The 29 April 1954 agreement mentioned above was set to last for eight years. When it lapsed, relations were already souring, the provision for renewal of the agreement was not taken up, and the Sino-Indian war broke out between the two sides.
Cuated Coverage
The Guardian – Indian and Chinese soldiers injured in cross-border fistfight, says Delhi
ANI – Chinese choppers spotted near Ladakh LAC prompt alert, IAF fighters rushed in
The Diplomat – What to Make of India and China’s Latest Border Clash
The Times Of India – Indian, Chinese troops clash near Naku La in Sikkim sector
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