Disengagement complete, but troops remain at high altitudes

As Indian and Chinese troops move ahead to conduct “coordinated patrols” along the contentious Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh following disengagement at Depsang and Demchok, the Army is preparing for a fifth consecutive winter of heavy deployment at dizzying heights because the troop levels on both sides still remain the same.

Force strength stays same

What we have just witnessed is disengagement. There has been no de-escalation or de-induction. The force strength continues to remain the same. Senior officer

The deployment involves ensuring operational preparedness of large troop concentrations in remote forward locations at extreme altitudes up to 18,000 feet in inclement weather with temperatures dipping to -30°C, ensuring uninterrupted logistic support and ensuring serviceability of weapons and equipment, all of which has economic and psychological costs. Following the 2020 stand-off with China in Ladakh and the northeast, an unprecedented level of military deployment was undertaken. Over 68,000 soldiers, 90 tanks, 330 BMP infantry combat vehicles, radar systems, artillery guns and other equipment were inducted. In addition, the IAF also deployed its fighters, attack helicopters and surveillance aircraft. Prior to this, the estimated troop strength along the LAC was 10,000, according to sources.

In 2020, China’s Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) had cut off Indian access to patrolling points (PP) 10 to 13 in the Depsang Plains, while in the Demchok Sector to the south, the stretch along the Charding Nullah was a “trouble” spot. Earlier, disengagement at other friction points — PP 14 in Galwan, PP 15 near Hot Springs, PP 17A at Gogra and north and south banks of Pangong Tso had been undertaken. These are among the two dozen or so sensitive areas earmarked along the LAC, of which there are 13 where incursions have occurred frequently.

“What we have just witnessed is disengagement, that is troops are no longer in eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation and have pulled back to some distance on their respective sides and removed temporary structures, posts, tents and surveillance equipment. However, this is not de-escalation or de-induction of troops from that sector and force strength continues to remain the same,” a senior officer said. “As there is a trust deficit between both sides, there is no way India can afford to lower its guard,” he added.

After the clashes in Galwan during June 2020, both sides had dug in for the long haul. The Army and the ITBP have a long list of equipment needed to meet operational requirements as well as for the sustenance of high force levels.