China not de-escalating situation on LAC, continues to deploy 40,000 troops

The Chinese are also not honouring their commitment for disengagement at the friction points in Eastern Ladakh and not moving back as per the agreed terms

Currrent Affairs: It seems that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is not in a mood to de-escalate the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as it has continued deployment of around 40,000 troops in its front and depth areas for the Eastern Ladakh sector.

The Chinese are also not honouring their commitment for disengagement at the friction points in Eastern Ladakh and not moving back as per the agreed terms during the multiple rounds of talks at the government and Army level and intervention at the senior level like the one done by the National Security Advisor couple of weeks ago would be required for further progress, the sources said.

“The Chinese have not shown any signs of de-escalation as they continue to maintain their heavy troop deployment of almost 40,000 troops supported by heavy weaponry like air defence systems, armoured personnel carriers and long-range artillery in front and depth areas,” sources said. The disengagement process has also not made any progress since the last round of talks between the two Corps Commanders held last week and ground positions have also not changed, the sources said.

Galwan Valley clash: China amassing troops at LAC since May, says MEA

Chinese actions led to rising tensions and face-off, says ministry

Current Affairs: In its most strident comments on the recent border clashes with China, India on Thursday blamed Beijing for “amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)” since early May. It said this has led India to take counter measures, which increased the tension in border areas. It warned China that a continuation of the situation would only vitiate the atmosphere for the development of the relationship. New Delhi accused Beijing of repeatedly flouting laid-down agreements and norms on handling border tensions.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in an online media briefing, said the Chinese amassing of troops and armaments along the LAC was at the heart of the recent face-offs between the ground troops of the two sides. The MEA said the Chinese actions led to the increase in tension in the region and also led to the violent face-off of June 15. As many as 20 Indian soldiers, including a commanding officer, were killed and 76 injured. China has admitted to casualties, but is yet to disclose numbers.

The MEA said the Chinese side hindered India’s normal, traditional patrolling pattern in the Galwan Valley area from early May. While the resulting face-off was addressed by the ground commanders, according to the provisions of the bilateral agreements, the Chinese side sought to change the status quo in other areas of the western sector in mid-May….

Have Chinese occupied Indian territory in Ladakh, Rahul asks Rajnath

On Monday, Singh took a jibe at Congress after Gandhi raised questions over the issue of a border dispute with China

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to comment if Chinese troops had occupied Indian territory in Ladakh. “Once RM is done commenting on the hand symbol, can he answer: Have the Chinese occupied Indian territory in Ladakh?” the Congress leader tweeted, referring to minister’s designation in Hindi, Raksha Mantri.

On Monday, Singh took a jibe at Congress after Gandhi raised questions over the issue of a border dispute with China. “Haath me dard ho to dawa kije, haath hi jab dard ho to kya kije,” Singh said. The couplet roughly translates to, “You apply medicine to the hand when it pains, but what to do when the hand itself is the cause of pain.” Singh made the reference in relation to the Congress’ election symbol.

India and China have been locked in a dispute over the heavy military build-up by People’s Liberation Army (PLA) where they have brought in more than 5,000 troops along the Eastern Ladakh sector.The Chinese Army’s intent to carry out deeper incursions was checked by the Indian security forces by quick deployment. The Chinese have also brought in heavy vehicles with artillery guns and infantry combat vehicles in their rear positions close to the Indian territory…Read More