Indian and Chinese soldiers near the Line of Actual Control (file photo)Image source: PTI
After India and China reached an agreement, troop withdrawals and patrols started again in Depsang and Demchok on Monday. The Indian Army today successfully conducted a patrol at a patrol point in Depsang for the first time. Patrolling by both sides has now begun after Indian and Chinese troops withdrew from Demchok and Depsang along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.
The effects of the India-China troop withdrawal agreement in eastern Ladakh are now clearly visible. Early on November 1, Demchok had begun withdrawing troops and patrolling. Meanwhile, starting today, Depsang also started patrolling as before. The first patrol departed in the morning and returned in the afternoon. This is another positive step towards maintaining peace and harmony along the Line of Actual Control.
Patrol at one of five locations in Depsang
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Monday that the current troop withdrawal phase in eastern Ladakh is progressing smoothly. However, he did not comment on the resumption of patrols at the two confrontation points of Depsang and Demchok. According to sources, the meeting will continue at the level of local military commanders to strengthen trust. Indian soldiers have to conduct patrols at five locations in Depsang and two in Demchok.
Currently, one patrol point in Depsang has been patrolled today. While there are Patrol Points (PP) 10, 11, 12, 12A and 13 in the Depsang plains, patrolling in the area today is limited to just one patrol point with the agreement of India and China. According to Army sources, as per the agreement, the initial patrols will be conducted by only one to two patrol teams. This is because covering them all at once is a difficult task. The aim is to take your time to build trust between both parties.
Clashes between armies of the two countries in 2020
Meanwhile, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Saturday that patrols had begun on Friday in Demchok in eastern Ladakh. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in Delhi on October 21 that the agreement between India and China has been finalized. Therefore, the issues that arose in 2020 will be resolved.
Also Read – 7-8 ft rockets, large mortars, recovered ammunition, Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police foil plot to create riots.
Vikram Misri said that according to the agreement, both sides agreed to patrol and withdraw troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Relations between the two Asian giants deteriorated after violent clashes in the Galwan Valley in June 2020.
