Chinese Troops move back by 2 km at Hot Springs, Gogra along LAC

New Delhi, July 08: The disengagement process which was started on Monday between the Indian Army and China's People Liberation Army at friction points - Hot Springs and Gogra along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh completed on Wednesday. The Chinese troops have moved back by approximately 2 kilometers. 

 

 

"Disengagement between troops of India and China has been completed today Patrolling point 15. The Chinese troops have moved back by approximately 2 kilometers," the Army sources were quoted as saying. 

 

After the disengagement process is completed, both the countries might once again hold talks to take the process further. They have agreed that there is the need for an expeditious, phased, and stepwise de-escalation as a priority along the Line of Actual Control. Both sides have been engaged in discussions through established military and diplomatic channels to address the situation. The discussions reflected the commitment of both sides to reduce the tensions along the LAC.

 

On the other hand, the Special Representatives of India and China on the Boundary Question and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi had a "frank and in-depth exchange" telephone conversation on Sunday during which they agreed that both sides should complete the ongoing disengagement process along the LAC expeditiously, according to a statement by Ministry of External Affairs released on Monday.

 

They re-affirmed that both sides should strictly respect and observe the line of actual control and should not take any unilateral action to alter the status quo and work together to avoid any incident in the future that could disturb peace and tranquillity in border areas. It was also agreed that the two Special Representatives will continue their conversations to ensure full and enduring restoration of peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols.

 

As earlier reported that the Chinese troops have moved back tents and vehicles by 1-2 kilometers from locations where disengagement was agreed upon at Corps Commander-level talks. However, Chinese heavy armored vehicles are still present in the depth areas in the Galwan river area whereas the Indian Army is monitoring the situation with caution, Army sources informed.