The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) recently halted Indian graziers from proceeding towards the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok district of eastern Ladakh, as per media sources.
According to those acquainted with the event, which occurred on August 21, several Indian graziers were within India’s interpretation of the LAC near Saddle Pass at CNN junction in Demchok, but Chinese forces objected to their presence, claiming the region was on their side.
According to the report, there was no clash or conflict between Indian and Chinese soldiers as a result of the event, since such complaints by both sides are common.
Following the discovery of the event, Indian military officers met with their Chinese counterparts to settle the matter, as per media sources. The event occurred near the sites of friction on the LAC where the two nations have been at odds since 2020.
“Such occurrences happen in certain locations because both sides have different conceptions of the LAC,” one of the persons said, adding that the issue was discussed in subsequent conversations between local commanders from the two forces.
The event occurred during the two sides’ lengthy military stalemate at a series of flashpoints in eastern Ladakh.
Following a stalemate in April-May 2020 over the Chinese Army’s incursions in numerous places, including the Finger Area, Galwan Valley, Hot Springs, and Kongrung Nala, ties between India and China deteriorated further. After severe battles with Chinese forces in Galwan Valley in June, the situation deteriorated.
Last week, foreign minister S Jaishankar said India-China relations were in a “very challenging period,” referring to the Galwan Valley standoff and Beijing’s “disregard” for boundary treaties. According to Jaishankar, the situation has not been resolved, which has certainly thrown a shadow.
In May 2022, the border impasse between India and China will enter its third year, casting a shadow on the bilateral relationship. Even if the two sides have had limited success in disengaging competing forces from some flashpoints, a final settlement is still not in sight.
In order to restore peace and tranquility in border regions, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi was pressed by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to complete the pullout of soldiers by July 7.
Read more: EAM Jaishankar: Indo-China ties in a difficult phase
