NEW DELHI: Patrolling at Demchok, one of the longstanding standoff points in Eastern Ladakh began on Friday.
Army sources confirmed “while patrolling has begun it is yet awaited at Depsang” and added that it will begin “soon” also at Depsang which has been one of the most complex and significant standoff locations along the 832 kms long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.
As per the agreement between the Corps Commanders inked on October 21 while the disengagement along with the dismantling of temporary structures began on October 23 the ground verification followed by modalities pertaining to patrolling was awaited. These are aimed at forces returning to their April 2020 positions.
Troops moved back from points near the Y-Junction in Depsang and the Charding Nullah Junction (CNJ) in Demchok, but they remained in the vicinity. The LAC passes through CNJ where the Chinese had pitched a few tents.
While grazing grounds are located near Demchok, with the nullah in proximity, the terrain near Depsang is rugged and rocky, housing several patrolling points.
Although troops are withdrawing from standoff points, no change in overall troop strength or infrastructure has occurred. The semi-permanent and temporary structures, including tents and shades, have been dismantled.
As earlier reported by TNIE, confidence-building measures (CBS) have been introduced, including coordinated patrolling. As per the CBMs, both sides will inform each other of their patrols to avoid any face-offs or incidents. Surveillance mechanisms will also be established to monitor activities. The size of the patrolling party has been fixed, and Indian soldiers will carry weapons while patrolling.
There is a Line of Actual Control (LAC), perceived differently by both sides.
The standoff at Depsang was significant, which happens to be closer to strategic areas, as Chinese troops blocked access to five patrolling points -- 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13, which led to blocking and area of around 952 sq. km, according to sources.
In response to Chinese troop movements in 2020, India deployed over 68,000 troops, 90 tanks, 330 Infantry Combat Vehicles, and other artillery to forward positions. The situation along the LAC remains critical, requiring vigilance and strategic patience from both sides.
This agreement does not cover disengagement in other areas where the standoff began in April 2020. Talks continue regarding buffer zones and patrolling limits in those areas, where disengagement has already occurred.
Disengagement in Galwan, Gogra, Hot Springs, and the north and south banks of Pangong Tso took place earlier. De-induction after disengagement will depend on building trust, followed by de-escalation.
Increase in places of "contention"
All disengagements, including previous ones, have been based on the principle of mutual and equal security, without prejudice to either side's claims over the LAC.
Both sides have differing perceptions of the boundary, which has been contested since the 1962 border war. This has led to recurring friction between forces due to divergent views on its alignment.
With the standoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, there were five additional friction points which include the area around Kilometer 120 in Galwan, PP15 and PP17A at Shoksha La on the North of the Pangong and Rechin La and Rezang La to the South of Pangong.
Before May 2020, two Mutually Agreed Disputed Areas (Trig Heights and Demchok) and 10 Areas of Differing Perceptions were at Samar Lungpa, Depsang Bulge, Areas east of Pt 6556, Crossing of Charding Nullah, Kongka La, Pangong Tso, Spanggur Gap, Mt Sajjum, Dumchele and Chumar
