India and China have completed pulling back their troops from two face-off points at Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, just days after signing a patrolling pact to ease tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), several media reports citing Army sources said on Wednesday.
Reports said the troops of both countries have fallen back to their pre-April 2020 positions after dismantling their temporary posts, sheds, tents and other structures erected in the two areas.
Over the next few days, both sides will verify the mutual pullback of troops before coordinated patrolling resumes, sources told news agencies.
Diwali gifts
Sources further said ground commanders will continue to hold talks and “exchange of sweets on Diwali is set to happen on Thursday”.
The Army plans to launch its patrols in Depsang and Demchok by the end of the month, with advance notice being given to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to prevent the possibility of any face-off or clash.
The PLA will also intimate India before sending out its patrols, under the “patrolling arrangements” for Depsang-Demchok first announced by India on October 21 after a flurry of diplomatic and military talks.
Reports said talks are also underway to ease the situation in other high tension areas like Yangtse, Asaphila and Subansiri river valley in Arunachal Pradesh.
On October 21, India had announced an agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, ending an over four-year military standoff triggered by a clash in Galwan Valley.
Soon after the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Brics Summit in Russia, where both leaders welcomed the agreement.
Details of disengagement process
The disengagement process began around October 24, with troops from both sides starting to withdraw from key friction points. Reports indicate that around 10-12 temporary structures and tents established during previous standoffs have been dismantled.
The Indian Army is repositioning west of Charding Nala, while Chinese troops are moving eastward, sources told news agencies.
The primary areas impacted by this agreement include:
- Depsang plains: Indian troops will regain access to patrolling points (PP) 10 to 13, which had been restricted since early 2020.
- Demchok: Similar access will be restored here, allowing for traditional grazing activities alongside military patrols.
- Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso: Patrolling will also resume in these regions, although specific timelines for these activities remain uncertain due to seasonal weather conditions45.
(With inputs from agencies)