Even as Indian and Chinese interlocutors discuss the tense situation on the Line of Actual Control, a full-fledged online battle of narratives has begun. Exhibit 1: Apparently injured and tied up Indian soldiers are being treated by their Chinese counterparts. Place, date unknown

Exhibit 2: One injured Chinese soldier is on the ground even as Indian soldiers (both from ITBP and Army) are chasing away the PLA soldiers who have abandoned their Humvee. Most probably on the northern banks the Pangang Tso. Again date not known.

Is the photo and the video from recent clashes? Some say yes, others say not sure. Let’s assume it is from the current dust up. These images and videos makes the job of negotiating teams far tougher.

Two conclusions from here: One, in the first instance (assuming they are different), the Chinese had come prepared with metal rods and even nail-studded sticks resulting in head injuries to Indians. In the video, Indian side is also well-prepared with sticks etc. and used stones

Two, the Chinese have a road or at least a track to come up to the claim line and drive heavy vehicles there. Indians on the other hand are on foot. At the same time it shows that the Chinese soldiers fled the moment they faced a bigger group and even abandoned the Humvee!

Finally, this is why the current standoff is different: One, a lot of planning and thought has gone into the assault from the Chinese side. And two, it is designed to provoke violent response.

Both sides have, as in the past, treated soldiers from the opposite side but the level of violence is new. Earlier it was confined to jostling and fisticuffs. Not anymore. Q is: How long before bullets fly? Think how tough it must be for commanders on the ground to keep control