entered Arunachal Pradesh

crossing-over in Arunachal

Harish Rawat confirms Chinese incursion in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district

NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat has confirmed reports of an incursion by Chinese troops in the Chamoli district of the state."The good thing is they(Chinese) have not touched an important canal there," Rawat told ANI on Wednesday."This is a matter of concern. Our border has been peaceful. We have asked to increase vigilance. I am sure the central government will take cognizance of the issue," Rawat said.The incident took place on July 19 when a team led by Chamoli district magistrate and others including officials from ITBP went for a survey of Barahoti ground, official sources said.When asked to move back, the Chinese troops claimed that they are inside their territory. After some arguments, the Chinese troops moved back.The ITBP has sent a report to the Centre about this incident.Kiren Rijiju, minister of state for home affairs, said that the government will have to ascertain whether it was an intrusion or not. "The government will seek a report on it," Kiren Rijiju said.Uttarakhand shares a 350-kilometre-long border with China.Chinese troops have made several intrusions into Uttarakhand in the last few years.About 250 China's People's Liberation Army soldiers had's east district of Kameng in June this year.Significantly, the Chinesehappened at a time when Beijing had hardened its opposition against India's bid for membership of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group.(With inputs from agencies)