In the wake of India-China tussle across the Line of Actual Control, some media reports have been claiming that Chinese army has walked about 60 kilometers inside the Indian territory. The procession is being seen as a repeat of 1999 Kargil War.
As per information, Chinese troops are in control of the various patrolling points of India including PP-14,16, 18 and 19, across the LAC.
The India-China border has witnessed tension over the past month, with incidents reported in at least four different locations along the LAC.
On 10th May, a fistfight between Indian and Chinese soldiers was reported on the North Bank of Pangong Tso, on the night of 5-6 May and at Naku La in North Sikkim on 9 May. Reports have emerged about the face-offs in the Galwan River, on the North Bank of Pangong Tso, and in Chang Chenmo River valley. Troops and artillery deployment was also carried out by both sides and reserves have been positioned.
According to reports, China believes that India wants Aksai Chin (Ladakh) back. Chinese media and official spokespersons have accused India of trespassing Chinese claim line and blocking People’s Liberation Army (PLA) patrols. WHO which is facing accusation of delaying declaring corona virus a pandemic, seems to have a depiction of China’s map which shows Aksai Chin (Ladakh) as a part of Chinese territory.
According to some sources, the PLA has crossed the LAC entering 3-6 km in Galwan River region, and distance of nearly 8-10km along the north bank of Pangong Tso. They also set foot in some minor area of Hot Springs, in Ladakh’s Chang Chenmo River valley and at Demchok.
China also raised objection regarding the 225km Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road which connects Leh to Karakoram Pass, located merely 9 km from LAC with China which is expected to be completed by this year and will ensure the Indian troop faster deployment in the Area.
Naveen Srivastava, Joint Secretary (East Asia), Ministry of External Affairs, on Friday held a video-conference with Wu Jianghao, Director-General of the Asia Department at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs where China said, “implement the consensus that two countries do not constitute a threat to each other” and “do not let differences rise into disputes”.
On Saturday Lt. Gen. Harinder Singh, Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps, led the Indian delegation to the Chinese border personnel meeting point at Moldo, opposite Chushul in eastern Ladakh. The Chinese side was represented by Maj. Gen. Liu Lin, Commander of the South Xinjiang military region.
Foreign ministries of India and China sides agreed “to handle their differences through peaceful discussion bearing in mind the importance of respecting each other’s sensitivities, concerns and aspirations and not allow them to become disputes,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
