India-China removed tents on LAC, temporary structures were demolished, disengagement process started
Withdrawal of Indian and Chinese soldiers from Demchok and Depsang in the eastern Ladakh sector has started. A few days ago, an agreement was reached between the two countries. In the meantime, development has taken place in Demchok, so far five tents have been removed from both sides.
After the new patrolling agreement 4 days ago, the armies of India and China have started retreating from the eastern Ladakh border. According to the source's agency, armies have started removing their temporary tents and sheds at Demchok and Depsang points in eastern Ladakh. Soldiers are also taking back vehicles and military equipment.
Agreement was reached between the two countries
However, tension going on for the last four years on the border between India and China is now slowly coming to an end. Two days ago, bilateral talks were held between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, the effect of which is now being seen on the border as well. During this, India had emphasized on resolving mutual disputes and differences properly.
Though withdrawal of soldiers has started. Local commanders in Depsang and Demchok are monitoring the disengagement. Meanwhile, a big development has taken place in Demchok. So far five tents have been removed from both sides. This process is going on.
Verification will be done both on the ground and through aerial surveys, although at present the operations are progressing on the basis of mutual trust between the two sides.
This agreement was signed before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BRICS visit. Modi said here that maintaining peace is important in any situation.
Soldiers of both the countries are retreating
Meanwhile Demchok, Indian soldiers are retreating towards the western part of the Charding Nala, while Chinese soldiers are retreating towards the eastern part of the Nala. There are about 10 to 12 temporary structures and about 12 tents on both sides which are being prepared to be removed.
On the other hand, the Chinese army does not have tents in Depsang, but they have made temporary shelters using tarpaulin between the vehicles. So far, half the structures have been removed in Depsang.
22nd round of talks will begin after the structures are removed
Let us tell you that every morning; the local military commanders of the two countries make hotline calls to discuss the actions planned for the day. They meet once or twice daily at the designated points. The four buffer zones, including Galwan, have not yet been discussed.
Once patrolling resumes in Demchok and Depsang and trust is established, the Corps Commander-level talks will focus on resuming patrolling in the buffer zones.
However, 22nd round of Corps Commander-level talks is expected after the complete removal of temporary structures from the Demchok and Depsang plains and resumption of patrolling. No date has been fixed yet for these high-level discussions.
Diplomatic success
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced earlier this month that India and China had reached a successful agreement to resume patrolling in the places of conflict. The agreement was reached after intense diplomatic efforts and several rounds of talks between military commanders.
This success was further strengthened by a high-level meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit.
While in the BRICS summit, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace on the border and underlined the need to maintain communication through existing mechanisms to prevent further escalation. The meeting between Modi and Xi was seen as an important step towards reducing the confrontation.
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Clash between India and China in Galwan in 2020
After the clash between India and China in Galwan in 2020, there was a situation of tension in Demchok and Depsang. A new patrolling agreement was signed between India and China on 21 October. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar had said that an agreement has been made to prevent a clash like Galwan and to create the same situation there as before.
Incidents of infiltration took place at many places
Indian government also deployed troops equal to China in this area. During this time, 20 Indian soldiers were martyred in a clash with the Chinese army in the Galwan Valley on 15 June. Later, India also gave a befitting reply to this. About 60 Chinese soldiers were killed in this.
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