MEA refuses to confirm if stone pelting took place between India, China troops in Ladakh

Raveesh Kumar also did not confirm whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China next month to attend BRICS summit.

Stating that there indeed was an 'incident' involving Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh on Tuesday, the MEA, however, refused to confirm if both sides indulged in stone pelting.

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that the incident of August 15 was discussed by both sides in a meeting.

"I have not confirmed stone pelting or use of rods, just said there was an incident... There was an incident on 15th August, it was later discussed by Army officers on both sides," Kumar told media.

It was earlier reported that Chinese troops tried to enter the Indian side in two areas-- Finger Four and Finger Five-- twice between 6 am and 9 am on Tuesday. But on both the occasions their attempts were thwarted by alert Indian troops. After Chinese troopers found their path blocked by ITBP personnel who formed a human chain, they began hurling stones, prompting a swift retaliation by Indian border guards.

Raveesh Kumar also did not confirm whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China next month to attend Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) summit, saying he does not have any information about it.

When asked about the current status of the standoff, he said, "It is a sensitive issue... We will continue to engage with China to find mutually acceptable solution. Peace and tranquillity in border areas are important pre-requisites for smooth development of bilateral relations."

Asked about the reported comments of the Japanese Ambassador on Doklam face off and if India welcomes it, Kumar gave a very guarded reaction, saying the remarks speak for themselves.

The Japanese ambassador was quoted in media as saying that no country should use unilateral forces to alter the status of Doklam.

OneIndia News