Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Aug 22: After a high-level review of situation along Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Eastern Ladakh by top Generals, Army has decided to strengthen its forward posts to thwart any further infiltration by People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and meet with any eventuality amidst reports that China could attempt fresh incursions in Ladakh.
Sources told the Excelsior that after Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat’s three-day visit to Ladakh during which he had detailed discussions on the situation along China border with Northern Command chief Lt Gen Devraj Anbu and GOC 14 (Leh) Corps Lt Gen PJS Pannu among others, the Army could deploy more troops in its forward posts to meet any kind of situation from the hostile neighbour.
“Our troops are already on high alert all along LAC with China after Dokalam standoff but the level of alert has been further raised in view of infiltration attempt by the PLA personnel on the banks of Pangong lake in Ladakh on August 15,” sources said, adding that the Army chief had detailed analysis of the situation with top Army Commanders and steps required to strengthen the Indian positions all along the LAC with China in Eastern Ladakh.
Describing the situation as “not very disturbing”, sources, however, said Army was taking all precautionary measures as it didn’t want to give any chance to the enemy to strengthen itself. However, they admitted, that it was a “very rare incident” along Pangong lake, where the troops of India and China virtually clashed by pelting stones at each other.
Sources said three-day visit of the Army chief to Leh, apart from attending Ladakh Scouts and Regimental Centre function, which was attended by President Ram Nath Kovind, was also aimed at detailed view of the situation along LAC with China in Ladakh and reviewing steps required by the troops to meet with Pangong like threat in future.
According to sources, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 14 Corps, Leh Lt Gen PJS Pannu gave detailed briefing to the Army chief on each and every aspect of the situation along LAC with China and steps taken by the troops to protect the un-demarcated boundary.
Sources said in the aftermath of high-level discussions among the Army Generals, the troops would further strengthen their positions and deployment of more troops at the forward posts is not ruled out.
The Army chief’s visit to Leh came just five days after Chinese troops clashed with the Indian Army personnel near Pangong lake on August 15. The two sides had engaged in stone pelting at each other, resulting in injuries to personnel from both sides.
Subsequent video of the spot showed that the Chinese troops had come prepared but their plan was foiled by the Indian troops very effectively and the PLA personnel were forced to retreat.
Sources said it was not only Eastern Ladakh but India was also trying to strengthen its positions all along LAC in 4 other States including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, which have LAC with China, they added.
Sources said Gen Rawat took stock of the security preparedness along the LAC with China besides discussing key operational matters with top Army Commanders during his three day visit to Leh.
The Chinese troops had managed to enter up to Finger Four area in the region from where they were sent back. This area has been a bone of contention between India and China as both claim it to be a part of their territory.
After Chinese troopers found their path blocked by ITBP personnel who formed a human chain, they began hurling stones, prompting a swift retaliation by Indian border guards.
Personnel from both sides received minor injuries and the situation was brought under control after the customary banner drill under which both sides hold banners before stepping back to their respective positions.
Two third of the Pangong Lake is controlled by China while one-third of it is controlled by India.
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