India and China have begun to withdraw their troops from three of the four standoff points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh as a confidence-building measure ahead of another round of military talks between the two nations this week.
Also read: PLA Keeps Up Pressure on LAC Amid Border Tensions With India
Army sources claim that “limited military disengagement” has taken place at some points in the Galwan Valley region (patrolling points 14 and 15) and Gogra-Hot Springs areas after the June 6 talks between 14 Corps commander Lt-General Harinder Singh and South Xinjiang Military District chief Major General Liu Lin along the LAC at Moldo-Chushul. At the meeting, the two sides identified five main hotspots of conflict, which included Patrol Points 14, 15, and 17, the north bank of Pangong Tso, and Chushul.
The move is being hailed as a positive development by people familiar with the region. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Former Northern Army commander Lieutenant General DS Hooda (retd) said: “It’s a good sign if tensions are easing at the three locations where the alignment of the LAC wasn’t disputed. We can now focus on resolving the situation on the northern bank of Pangong Tso”.
Also read: India, China Increase Military Presence Along LAC
Sure enough, there has been no change in the ground position at the main standoff site at Pangong Tso. The lake’s northern bank branches out just like a palm, and the various protrusions are identified as ‘fingers’ to delineate boundaries. According to India, the LAC begins at Finger 8, while China asserts that it starts at Finger 2, which India currently claims. Since early May, Chinese troops have blocked Indian patrols going west to east beyond Finger 4 by occupying the area until Finger 8.
A series of talks at the division, brigade, and battalion levels are due to be held over the next 10 days to further discuss local issues surrounding de-escalation. The situation at Pangong Tso remains a “tough” situation to resolve, which may require more high-level dialogues like the one on June 6.
Also read: India and China to Hold Military-Level Talks on Border Issue
No official statements have been issued by either government regarding the issue. However, army sources have stressed that India remains committed to restoring the status quo to pre-May 5 positions, and is “fully prepared for a long and permanent deployment if the PLA doesn’t retreat” with its troops and firepower, which includes “fighter bombers, rocket forces, air defense radars and jammers among others”.
India-China Border Dispute Coverage:
- India-China Skirmishes in Sikkim and Ladakh Leave Several Soldiers Injured
- Indian Army Chief Addresses Simmering Tensions with Nepal, China, and Pakistan
- Multiple Chinese Army Incursions Reported Along LAC, Indian Army Chief Takes Stock
- PM Modi Meets With Top Military Brass to Discuss Escalating Indo-China Border Tensions
- Donald Trump Offers to “Mediate” India-China Border Dispute
- Modi and Morrison Deepen India and Australia’s Strategic, Diplomatic, and Economic Ties
Image Source: The Hindu