Photo used for representational purpose only

DEHRADUN: In its fourth incursion into the Indian airspace since March this year, two helicopters of the People’s Liberation Army of China hovered over Badahoti area of Chamoli district on Saturday morning, triggering concerns in the Indian security establishment.

Official sources suspected that the choppers — which returned to the Chinese side after three minutes — were possibly on a reconnaissance mission to carry out aerial photography of Indian ground troops in the Badahoti area, which is spread over 80 sq km.

According to agencies, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is probing the incursion by the Chinese choppers — identified as the Zhiba series of attack helicopters.

The choppers were also spotted by local shepherds, who are camping in Badahoti area to graze their cattle these days, who immediately sounded the local revenue police.

Confirming the incident, Chamoli superintendent of police (SP) Tripti Bhatt said, “Two helicopters flew over Badahoti area at the Sino-India international border for about three minutes during the morning hours on Saturday. We cannot say as of now whether the choppers violated the Indian air space or not.”

In 1958, both India and China listed Badahoti a disputed area, where neither side would send their troops.

In June 2000, according to a unilateral decision taken by the central government, ITBP jawans are not allowed to carry weapons and are deployed in civilian clothes in Badahoti area comprising Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

When contacted, Chamoli district magistrate Ashish Joshi declined to make a comment, saying that the matter was concerned to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the military intelligence.

After the incident was reported, ITBP personnel visited Badahoti area to take stock of the situation.

The Badahoti area saw Chinese incursion in July last year as well in 2015, when Indian shepherds were purportedly asked by Chinese soldiers to retreat from the area.

(With inputs from PTI)