Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor today confirmed reports of violation of Indian airspace in Jammu and Kashmir two months back by a Chinese military helicopter. He said that India has always been concerned about such incidents by neighbors; and the matter had already been taken up with the Chinese government during the border personnel meet with the China.

Mr. Kapoor, assuming charge of the new chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee, admitted, "Let me inform you one incursion of a Chinese helicopter (along the Line of Actual Control in Leh) took place some time back. The matter has been taken up with China during meetings of border personnel of the two sides."

The Army Chief, however, ruled out possibility of any bad intention in the matter, adding that the intrusion could have taken place because of "navigational error". He dismissed reports of media stating such incidents of violation are very common along Indian borders.

It should be recalled that two Chinese helicopters allegedly violated Indian air space - the incident being first reported by residents living along the Pangong Lake at Chumar, northeast of Leh on June 21.