The video purportedly showing the incident in Pangong Tso area has created a flutter just when it seemed like the rhetoric on the Doklam incident was reducing.
S L Narasimhan
A video purportedly showing the incident in the Pangong Tso area has created a flutter just when it seemed like the rhetoric on the Doklam incident was reducing.
A Chinese spokesperson feigned ignorance and her Indian counterpart took some time to confirm the incident, though he did not confirm stone throwing or the use of rods by troops. This clearly showed that both sides did not want to aggravate the issue.
However, if it is true, stone throwing and use of rods is a new phenomenon. Such action needs to be curbed for two reasons. Firstly, it is very unmilitary-like, and secondly, it is not part of the Standard Operating Procedure in dealing with such situations.
Many analysts have incorrectly linked the incidents at Doklam and Pangong Tso. The second location has been the site of many face-offs prior to this incident because perceptions of where the Line of Actual Control lies differs in that area.
This video has appeared at a very inopportune moment. It is my opinion that if the Doklam issue is to be resolved, this video should be removed from the media glare. Whoever leaked the video has not thought about the consequences of his actions.
S.L. Narasimhan. Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Airpower Studies