India’s military convoy moves near the Bangong Bug area
On the occasion of the Chinese New Year, India and China announced a consensus to break the months-long standoff at the border and implement a gradual disengagement from frontline contacts.
On Wednesday (Feb. 10), Chinese and Indian officials confirmed that the frontline forces of both countries will begin disengaging on the southern and northern shores of Bangong Lake in the Ladakh region.
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh told Congress on Thursday (Feb. 11) that India and China would cancel their frontline deployment in a “phased, coordinated and verified manner.
The Chinese Defense Ministry said the simultaneous frontline withdrawals by both sides have begun in an orderly manner.
In addition to the withdrawal of frontline troops, India and China have agreed to dismantle defenses on the northern and southern shores of Bangong Lake.
In June last year, bloody clashes erupted along the India-China border, sparking armed fights between soldiers from both sides that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. The Chinese side was said to have also suffered casualties, but no details were released.
Since then, the two countries have deployed tens of thousands of soldiers near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), built a large number of defense bases and set up artillery, tanks and fighter jets, with frontline troops from both sides stationed there through the harsh winter. In a brief statement, the Chinese side did not provide details about the disengagement. Singh said, “The Chinese side will maintain troops in the north coast area east of the Eight Finger Mountains.”
China and India announced they would continue to meet within 48 hours of full disengagement in the Bangong Bug area to resolve all outstanding issues, including disputes over deployment and patrolling of the Line of Actual Control east of Dharak.
Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda, former head of the Indian military’s Northern Border Command, said it will take some Time for the two countries to rebuild trust and reach a new agreement. According to him, “The ongoing crisis has led to a lot of mistrust and has completely undermined the advancement of the peace agreement on the Line of Control.”
Recent Comments