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The Indian Army has fully resumed patrolling activities in the Demchok region of eastern Ladakh, marking a significant development in the ongoing border standoff with China. This move follows the confirmed withdrawal of People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops from their temporary structures and their return to pre-April 2020 positions, as per the October 21 agreement on patrolling arrangements. The agreement concluded the disengagement process at two of the seven friction points that emerged after Chinese incursions in April-May 2020.
The restoration of patrolling rights in Demchok and the Depsang Plains signifies a positive step towards de-escalation in the border tensions. Indian soldiers are now able to freely access five patrolling points (PPs) in Depsang and two in Demchok, which were previously blocked by Chinese forces. The PLA has also commenced its own patrols, adhering to a notification system to prevent accidental clashes. This mutual notification protocol is crucial for ensuring a peaceful and predictable environment along the disputed border.
The Indian Army's initial patrols in Depsang Plains, which were conducted for the first time in nearly five years, highlight the strategic importance of the region. These patrols traverse the “Bottleneck,” a critical area 18 km inside Indian territory, which had been blocked by the PLA since 2020. The successful completion of these patrols confirms India's assertion of its territorial claims and its commitment to securing its borders.
The resumption of patrolling in Demchok also signifies a return to normalcy for the local villagers, who are now able to access their traditional grazing areas. The Indian troops are now positioned to patrol all the way to Charding La, a strategic pass at an altitude exceeding 19,000 feet, which is vital for maintaining control over the region. This renewed access strengthens India's military presence and its ability to effectively monitor any future Chinese incursions.
While the disengagement in Demchok and Depsang is a positive development, India continues to prioritize the de-escalation of the overall border situation. The focus will now shift to restoring patrolling rights in the buffer zones established after previous disengagements. These zones, ranging from 3 km to 10 km, primarily lie within areas claimed by India. These zones were implemented as temporary measures to prevent clashes but are considered by India as temporary limitations on their unhindered patrolling activities.
India remains steadfast in its demand for the complete withdrawal of over 50,000 PLA troops deployed in eastern Ladakh, along with an additional 90,000 troops stationed across Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The ongoing dialogue between India and China, despite its slow progress, is crucial for achieving a permanent solution to the border dispute. The restoration of patrolling rights in Demchok and Depsang provides a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution and a return to stability in the region.
Source: Indian Army expands patrol in Eastern Ladakh's Demchok following PLA withdrawal