evidence: The transgression by Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers in Barahoti, Uttarakhand in August is part of the pattern of large-size patrols by China to assert their claim while also testing India across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), say Defence Ministry officials. [...] Over 100 PLA troops, along with a large number of horses, came in about 4-5 km inside the Barahoti ridgeline, across the Tun Jun La, which is the LAC in the area, and returned after a few hours, at least two officials confirmed. There are some makeshift wooden bridges constructed for Indian patrols to cross, they said. In the backdrop of the development, the China Study Group met on Friday to discuss the development, it has been learnt. "One of the reasons for the increased number of troops in the Chinese patrols is to prevent any surprise, or avoid being overwhelmed by Indian troops in case there is a flare-up, as the Indian Army and the ITBP are located all along and close to the LAC. In contrast, the PLA’s base from the LAC in the Barahoti area is 30 km on their side and they will take time to respond," another official said.