Army denies reports of Chinese intrusions at Nathu-La

New Delhi: Was there a border face-off between Indian and Chinese troops at Nathu-la, Sikkim? The Indian Army has denied reports of any face-off in sections of the media. The Army has also denied reports of a Chinese intrusion and has refuted rumours of an Indian troop build up.

The Army says sections of National Highway 1 have not been closed down to facilitate troop movement, but that the highway is blocked because of landslides.

Nathu-La, at a height of more than 14,000 feet, last saw action in 1962. It reopened to border trade only two years ago.

So-called intrusions are common along the disputed border by both sides who try and keep alive respective territorial claims, but the border has been largely peaceful since the 1990s.

Meanwhile, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Suresh Mehta, has denied reports of Chinese incursions into Indian territory on the Northeastern border.

"I don't know where you have heard that story from," he said when asked about troop movements and any intrusions.