NEW DELHI: The Chinese and Indian border troops on Wednesday began the process of disengagement on the southern and northern banks of Pangong Lake, Chinese media reported quoting China’s defence ministry.
The consensus on disengagement was reached during the ninth round of commander-level talks between the two militaries. However, there has been no official reaction or confirmation on this from India.
Chinese and Indian troops have been entangled in a standoff at the border after a clash near Pangong Tso lake in May last year.
INDIA CHINA CONFLICT
What’s The Source Of Tension?
The root cause is an ill-defined, 3,440km (2,100-mile)-long disputed border.
Rivers, lakes and snowcaps along the frontier mean the line can shift, bringing soldiers face to face at many points, sparking a confrontation.
The two nations are also competing to build infrastructure along the border, which is also known as the Line of Actual Control. India’s construction of a new road to a high-altitude airbase is seen as one of the main triggers for a clash with Chinese troops in June that left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead.
How Bad Is The Situation?
Despite several military-level talks, tensions continue.
The most recent skirmish – on 20 January – left troops on both sides injured. It took place along the border in India’s Sikkim state, which is sandwiched between Bhutan and Nepal.
The year 2020 was particularly violent. The June clash in the Galwan Valley – fought with sticks and clubs, not guns – was the first fatal confrontation between the two sides since 1975.
India acknowledged its deaths. China did not comment on reports it also suffered fatalities.
