Express News Service By

NEW DELHI: The face-off between India and China over Demchok area of Ladakh started on September 5 continued for the 11th day on Tuesday.

A senior official said Chinese civilians, who were protesting against the construction of an irrigation canal under MNREGA, had erected tents on Indian Territory with the tacit support of the Chinese Army.

“They come in the morning and leave by the evening despite our efforts to diffuse the tension. The work on irrigation canal has been suspended for the time being,” he said, adding that Chinese must have entered around 300 metres inside the Indian Territory.

BJP MP from Ladakh Thupstan Chhewang told ‘Express’ that China is now brining its civilians to oppose the infrastructure works being carried out by Indian government. Chhewang said the face-off started on September 4, but Chinese started bringing their civilians from September 5 into Indian Territory.

“They are raising slogans and showing banners to halt the work. This canal is very important for the villagers in our side as it will help in adding more areas for cattle grazing. However, on their side, the Chinese have already built permanent structures including houses and mobile towers,” Chhewang said.

The work on the irrigation canal was suspended by the Leh Administration on Monday.

Chhewang had raised the issue during the meeting of Parliamentary Defence standing Committee. Chhewang said the Centre must raise the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping.