LAC or Line of Actual Control is a loose distinguishing line or border that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory in the Sino-Indian border. The latest stand-off at Pangong Tso, Galwan valley, Demchok, and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh is in the news recently. In May 2020, reports came of clashes between the troops of both countries. In June, following the heat between Chinese and Indian troops, the Generals of India and China held deliberations but were inconclusive. Amidst the standoff, Chinese Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe sought a meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He wants to arrange a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He wants to sit with Singh in Moscow and deliberate the rising tension finally.
Why is this LAC related meeting sought?
The tensions rose in Eastern Ladakh initially after China‘s People’s Liberation Army unsuccessfully carried out a provocative military movement. Therefore, this led to a change in the Indian Army set up along the lines. Furtermore, the rising tension threatens to hamper the bilateral agreement of both the countries about the status quo. The Indian Army reported that the Chinese troops outflanked the PLA troops. They, in addition, took control of strategic height near Pangong lake giving them an upper hand at the control lines.
Consequently, both the countries have accused each other of trying to break the status quo agreement near Pangong lake. The meeting on the issue held in June for four consecutive days to discuss the fresh incursion attempts by the PLA was a light of hope. However, then also no “tangible outcome’ came out. Indian Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane visited Ladakh to review the forces among the ongoing LAC face-off, on Thursday. The attack made the logistical preparedness of the Indian Army face a backlash. Hence, the supervision will also ensure that the army is completely prepared to face harsh climate and extreme temperatures. The location of the army is above 14,000 feet above sea level.
Statement of External Affairs Ministry
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that he has faith in the fact that the solution to this heated face-off will come from “the domain of diplomacy.”
In addition, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs also remarked on the direct action of China. He said, “It is clear that the situation we have witnessed over the past four months is a direct result of actions of the Chinese side that sought to effect a unilateral change in the status quo. These actions resulted in the violation of the bilateral agreement and protocol which ensured peace and tranquility in the border areas for close to three decades.”
The Ministry acknowledges that the situation between the two ministers should happen in a responsible manner. They should not escalate the matters any further. Furthermore, the ministry said, “The Indian side is firmly committed to resolving all outstanding issues through peaceful dialogue.”
Hence, the Chinese side needs to come at the same page to ensure further mutual understanding on the issue of LAC.
#WATCH: Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane says to ANI, "The situation along LAC is slightly tensed. Keeping in view of the situation, we have taken precautionary deployment for our own safety & security, so that our security & integrity remain safeguarded." pic.twitter.com/NvONwyJvbM
— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2020
