LAC disengagement later, geotagging of patrolling points, more surveillance, patrols
Geotagging existing patrolling points, key features and landmarks, will help demarcate the LAC clearly, aiding easier identification of disputed areas along the LAC for future talks aimed at resolution.
4 min read
The MHA has instructed states to train civilians, including students, on safety protocols to follow during an aerial or ground assault. India is in the process of geotagging established patrolling points and other landmarks on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh to aid easier identification and demarcation of its boundary with China, which in turn would enable smoother patrolling by Indian troops while preventing clashes with Chinese soldiers, The Indian Express has learnt.
This, along with increased surveillance, regular patrolling, frequent interaction between Indian and Chinese commanders at various levels and readjustment of Indian troops stationed along the LAC are among the tactical developments brought in by India in the last six months.
On October 21 last year, Indian and Chinese negotiators had arrived at an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC, which led to “disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020”.
This announcement was made by India and it was followed by a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China’s President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS leaders’ summit in Kazan, Russia.
By the end of October, officials said that both sides had completed the disengagement process and sweets were exchanged between both sides. They said the disengagement would be first verified on ground before resumption of patrolling and that the patrolling modalities would be decided between ground commanders.
Days later, the Army said it had successfully patrolled one of the five patrolling points in the Depsang area of eastern Ladakh — a first since the standoff began in 2020.
The first steps
Disengagement of troops in Ladakh has allowed the two countries to take the first steps to repair ties, frozen since the PLA incursions five years ago. A pointer to this is the decision to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in June this year.
India and China have always had differing perceptions of the LAC. Sources in the government said that while certain mountain features along the border are clearly identifiable, there were varying opinions on others, which were discussed in multiple rounds of military and diplomatic-level talks between India and China.
Sources told The Indian Express that both sides have agreed to limit the frequency of patrolling to twice a month to each Patrolling Point along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
They said that patrolling plans will be exchanged in advance between both sides to avoid a confrontation. “The troops have been asked to avoid physical contact with Chinese troops and in case of any engagement, stay 200 metres away, take photographs and come back to report,” a source said.
“It was decided that the Commanding Officers (COs) of the units posted there would interact once or twice a month, and Brigade Commanders would do so every quarter. Major Generals and above would hold interactions with their Chinese counterparts as and when required,” the source said.
Geotagging existing patrolling points, key features and landmarks, will help demarcate the LAC clearly, aiding easier identification of disputed areas along the LAC for future talks aimed at resolution.
Additionally, multiple new drones of various sizes have been procured in recent months by the Army for effective monitoring of the LAC. This would help reduce the frequency of Army foot patrols without compromising on surveillance of sensitive areas along the border.
A range of cameras have also been installed along the LAC and adequate helicopter sorties are being carried out in the region for surveillance and monitoring of the LAC.
Adequate creation and enhancement of infrastructure will continue along the LAC, including along the routes of troop induction.
There is a possibility that exercises held by the Armed Forces in the area might go down as part of the disengagement process. Other confidence building measures will continue, sources said.
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