At least two previously unknown incidents of skirmishes between the Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have come to light with citations for gallantry awards conferred on Indian Army personnel mentioning them.

The citations, read out at an investiture ceremony by the Army’s Western Command last week, provided brief details of how the Indian troops responded firmly to the aggressive behaviour of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers along the LAC.

The Army’s Western Command, which has its headquarters in Chandimandir, had uploaded a video of the January 13 ceremony featuring the commentary on the gallantry award on its YouTube channel but deactivated it on Monday.

The incidents mentioned in the citations had taken place between September 2021 and November 2022.

There was no immediate comment on the matter by the Army.

The Indian Army has been maintaining a very high level of combat readiness along the 3,488 km-long LAC following the clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020.

There were multiple incidents of skirmishes along the LAC between the Indian and Chinese troops in the last three-and-a-half years following the eruption of the eastern Ladakh border row in May 2020.

The Chinese troops attempted transgression in the Tawang sector of the LAC as well.

On December 9, 2022, PLA troops tried to transgress the LAC in the Yangtse area of Tawang Sector and unilaterally changed the status quo, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Parliament four days after the incident.

Mr Singh said the Chinese attempt was contested by the Indian troops in a firm and resolute manner.

PTI Sources said several Indian Army personnel who were part of the team that responded firmly to the attempted Chinese transgression were also conferred gallantry awards at the investiture ceremony.

“The ensuing face-off led to a physical scuffle in which the Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from transgressing into our territory and compelled them to return to their posts,” Mr Singh said on December 13 that year.

The clash led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides, he said.

“I would like to assure this House that our forces are committed to protecting our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt made on it. I am confident that this entire House will stand united in supporting our soldiers in their brave effort,” Singh said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Two bases of Baluchi group Jaish al Adl in Pakistan were targeted by missiles on Tuesday, Iranian state media reported, a day after Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards attacked targets in Iraq and Syria with missiles.

The group has previously mounted attacks on Iranian security forces in the border area with Pakistan.

“These bases were hit and destroyed by missiles and drones,” Iranian state media reported, without elaborating.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Slogans supporting Khalistan surfaced in parts of Delhi this morning ahead of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun’s threats for Republic Day. Slogans in support of Khalistan were found written on walls of Chander Vihar area of Outer Delhi.

The Delhi Police have removed the slogans and filed a case in this matter.

The US claims Pannun, an American-Canadian citizen, was the subject of an assassination bid orchestrated by Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national and an un-named Indian government official.

Pannun had warned about hoisting the Khalistani flag in Delhi on January 26, which is celebrated as Republic Day.

Sources said Sikhs for Justice wrote slogans in support of Khalistan on the walls of Chandra Vihar area after his warning video was widely circulated.

The slogans sought a referendum and voting for the demand of separate Khalistan.

Sources said Pannun instigates such activities through his sleeper cells in Delhi ahead of Republof Day and Independence Day.

Pannun has also issued threats to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Sources said he has called on gangsters to attack Mr Mann on Republic Day.

In view of such threats, Mr Mann has Z+ category security cover. The Punjab Police have promised “strict action” against those who might plot to assassinate Mr Mann.

Pannun has also issued threats about the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya due on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present on the occasion along with other senior members of his government, industrialists and other celebrities.

Earlier, Pannun had also threatened to attack the new Parliament building in Delhi. On the day named, two men smuggled smoke bombs inside the Lok Sabha and let them off during the proceedings.

The police, however, claimed they had no connection with Khalistan activists and were protesting about myriad subjects including Manipur violence and farmers’ issues. The men have been arrested and face charges under the stringent anti-terror law UAPA.