Army Chief Naravane visits Ladakh amid tension with China along LAC
New Delhi, May 23, 2020: Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane visited Ladakh amid the ongoing dispute over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. He held a meeting with the top field commanders and took stock of the situation.
According to sources, there is tension in Ladakh with China at three places – Galvan Nala, Demchauk and Daulat Baig and Pangong Tso Lake. In Galvan Nala, about 300 soldiers of both countries have come face to face. China is claiming this area. Field commanders of the Indian Army are talking to Chinese commanders and an attempt is being made to resolve the matter.
Both countries increased troops on the border: Recently, both countries had increased the number of troops in Ladakh’s Pangong Tso Lake and Galvan Valley. There has been a confrontation here for the last two weeks. There was also a flag meeting of the brigade commanders regarding this, but it was inconclusive. The top officers of the Indian Army are constantly watching this action of China. On the other hand, the US has also said that the aggressive behavior of Chinese soldiers indicates danger.
Conflict started due to India’s road construction: A confrontation between the two countries began with India’s road construction near Pangong Tso Lake, for strengthening the road network in the eastern region of Ladakh. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China objected to this. After this, China started increasing its Army strength in this area. India also increased deployment in this area.
India has made it clear that it is building roads in its area. And this is exactly what China has done in its region. After this, Chinese soldiers have remained in this area. The Chinese army has also increased its speed boats presence in Pangong Tso Lake. In areas such as Demchuk and Daulat Beg Oldi, there has been an increase in the number of soldiers of both countries.
Recent skirmishes between India – China
May 5, Pangong Lake in East Ladakh: Around 200 Indian and Chinese soldiers came face-to-face in the Finger-5 area on the northern side of the lake in the evening. India objected to the presence of Chinese soldiers. Conflict conditions persisted throughout the night. The next day, there was a skirmish between the soldiers on both sides. Later, the matter was resolved after talks between top officials on both sides.
May 9, Naku La Sector: 150 Indian-Chinese soldiers turned face-to-face here. Its date has not been officially revealed. However, according to a report by The Hindu, the clash occurred here on 9 May. During the patrol, the soldiers, face to face, hit punches at each other. 10 soldiers were injured in this clash. Officers later intervened here too. Then the clash stopped.
On 9 May, the Indian Air Force became alert after Chinese Army helicopters showed up near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The Indian Air Force also started patrolling with other fighter jets including Sukhoi. Chinese helicopters were spotted near the LAC when Chinese troops and Indian soldiers clashed in Naku La sector of North Sikkim. According to sources in the news agency ANI, Chinese helicopters did not cross the LAC, but it has happened many times before.
