The stand-off with China at two places in ladakh including Demchok and Chumar continues even as India insists that transgressions should be resolved according to the 2005 protocol which entails that such contentious issues be addressed as per agreed mechanism between the two countries in a peaceful manner. The face-off has taken place at a height of more than 14,000 feet with temperatures already dipping to minus two.
China is yet to respond after the latest round of transgressions into ladakh was raised during a flag meeting in Spangur, ladakh on Monday between Brigadier-level officers of the two armies. Chinese officers reportedly said they will come back to their Indian counterparts after consulting their higher-ups. On Tuesday, both the sides decided to hold another round of flag meetings at the same place on Wednesday between Major General level officers to resolve the issue. The meeting, incidentally, will coincide with Chinese President XI Jinping’s arrival in India.
Indian troops will stay put in Chumar where the Chinese Army blocked them on Sunday leading to a face-off. It came about after India protested against construction of a road in its territory by the Chinese. However, China claimed that Indian troops had come in more than six km inside its area and should return to their posts across the line of Actual Control (lAC).
Narrating the sequence of events leading to the stand-off between a patrol comprising Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Chinese troops, officials said here on Tuesday, India will not back off as the Indian troops are well within their territory and rightfully protested against construction of a road.
On the inconclusive flag meeting, they said India insisted that China should follow 2005 protocol and Border Defence Co-Operation Agreement(BDCA) signed between the two countries last year. The protocol and BDCA specify that both the sides should disengage immediately in a face-off scenario and resolve the issue through flag meetings.
The stand-off in Demchok too continued, for the 10th day on Tuesday with Chinese shepherds and nomads pitching tents on a grazing ground inside Indian territory reportedly with the help of Chinese Army. The Chinese are reportedly protesting against construction of an irrigation canal.
BJP MP from ladakh Thupstan Chewang termed the action as a “mean move by the Chinese Army” ahead of the Chinese President’s visit to India. Chinese civilians are refusing to vacate the pasture until construction work was stopped.Government sources said the issue is likely to be resolved in the next round of flag meeting wherein both sides are expected to appreciate the concerns over construction activities beyond their respective jurisdiction.
An official said, “With the agenda of the new regime being clear, we are taking assertive positions and not allowing the other side to engage in any construction activity inside our territory. Our strength is double than theirs and the situation is under control at the moment.”