Chinese army has violated Indian airspace five times this year
According to data from the army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), China's Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA) has violated Indian airspace at least five times in the first three months this year. These five took place in the sensitive Depsang sector of Ladakh (J&K) and the Barahoti plains (Uttarakhand). Overall, the PLA has made 45 transgressions in 2018, including these five.
Government official provides details about the five violations
PLA flew two choppers over Ladakh's Trig Heights and Depsang valley on February 27 and flew 19km inside. They hovered over an army post for roughly five minutes, and are suspected to have taken stock of Indian troops along the border. On March 8 morning, two choppers were seen over Trig Heights. On March 10, three helicopters entered 4km into Indian airspace over Barahoti.
Why are Trig Heights and Depsang valley being targeted?
Trig Heights and Depsang valley in Ladakh are of immense strategic importance to India. However, reports say China is after the Daulat Beg Oldi airfield, the world's highest active airstrip, in Ladakh. The Daulat Beg Oldi has helped thwart several unwanted incursions.
India will contest any unilateral changes to LAC: Ambassador
This is a cause of concern because unlike the western sector, whose maps haven't been exchanged between India and China, the middle sector is defined and mapped by both. Chinese violations could have been triggered by intense army and ITBP patrolling, said a senior army commander. Indian ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale, recently said India would contest any unilateral changes to the 3,488-km LAC.
