Indian and Chinese soldiers near LAC (file photo)Image Credit Source: PTI
Following the agreement between India and China, troop disengagement and patrolling in Depsang and Demchok resumed on Monday. The Indian Army successfully patrolled one of the Depsang patrolling points for the first time today. After the withdrawal of Indian and Chinese armies from Demchok and Depsang at LAC in eastern Ladakh, patrols from both sides have now started.
The effect of the agreement between India and China to withdraw troops in eastern Ladakh is now clearly visible. Previously, on November 1, the withdrawal of troops and patrols began in Demchok. At the same time, patrols in Depsang began today as before. The first patrol team left in the morning and returned in the afternoon. This is another positive step towards maintaining peace and harmony in LAC.
Patrol carried out in one of the five points of Depsang
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that the troop withdrawal phase in eastern Ladakh is currently going smoothly. However, he did not comment on the resumption of patrols at the two clash points in Depsang and Demchok. According to sources, the meeting will continue at the level of local military commanders to strengthen confidence. Indian soldiers are to patrol five locations in Depsang and two locations in Demchok.
Currently, patrols have been carried out at a patrol point in Depsang. While there are patrol points (PP) 10, 11, 12, 12A and 13 in the Depsang plains, patrolling in the area today was limited to a single point after India and China agreed. According to Army sources, the initial patrolling planned in the agreement will only be carried out up to one or two PP. This is because covering them all at once is a difficult task. The goal is to take things slowly to build trust between both parties.
There was a confrontation between the armies of the two countries in 2020.
At the same time, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Saturday that patrols began on Friday in Demchok, eastern Ladakh. External Affairs Minister Vikram Misri had said in Delhi on October 21 that the agreement between India and China had been finalized. Therefore, the issues that arise in 2020 will be resolved.
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Vikram Misri had said that as per the agreement, it was agreed to patrol the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and withdraw troops. Relations between the two Asian powers deteriorated after the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020.
