Chinese troops had painted rocks with 'red star' - insignia of People's Liberation Army - during their recent incursion into Indian territory in Chumar division of Nyoma sector, about 300 kms from here, during which they had destroyed some tents of grazers and unused army bunkers, according to a report.
A report of the Jammu and Kashmir Government and that of the Central security agencies, sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, said two Chinese helicopters had entered one-and-a-half km into Indian airspace on August 25 and made a landing after a dozen PLA troops had deplaned and dismantled the bunkers and tents. The helicopters had landed at Chumar in Chingthang area of Tehsil Nyoma, northeast of Leh in J&K.
According to the reports, the Chinese troops left some cigarette packets and also painted the 'red star' bearing the Chinese characters for 'Eight One', a move aimed at displaying that the area belonged to them.
"Eight One" marks the birth of PLA which came into existence on August 1, 1927. After the incident came to light, the ITBP personnel removed the tell-tale signs.
Udhampur-based Army spokesperson Col. Rajesh Kalia has denied any incursion attempt by the Army. But, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal N.A. K Browne, when asked about the intrusion by Chinese helicopters into the Indian territory in Ladakh last month, said he had spoken to ITBP Director General Ranjit Sinha on the issue.
"I spoke to the ITBP Chief who has just taken over and he is aware of that (the reported intrusion) and they are taking some action. We had a meeting, and he in fact mentioned this incident. They are taking some action," he had told reporters.
The sub-divisional magistrate of Nyoma gave the report, which was forwarded by the deputy commissioner, Leh, to the Jammu and Kashmir government. The Deputy Commissioner of Leh had deputed Sub District Magistrate and Station House Officer of Nyoma who made enquiries from villagers, ITBP officials and army troops and later reported to district headquarters about the violation of Indian air space by helicopter-borne Chinese troops.
Senior Army officials said that Chumar was an area were the LAC was not clearly demarcated and there was always a difference of perception in the area.
Chinese troops had earlier in July 2009 entered nearly 1.5 KM into Indian territory near Mount Gya, recognised as international border by India and China, and painted the boulders and rocks with red spray paint.
The incursions were reported from the area, generally referred in the Chumar sector in east of Leh, and painted 'Chinaa' in Cantonese with Red spray paint all over the boulders and rocks. On June 21 in 2009, a Chinese helicopter had entered the Indian airspace and is reported to have air-dropped canned food again at Chumar.