Indian troops have resumed patrolling in the Demchok sector of eastern Ladakh, marking a shift towards reducing military tensions along the India-China border. The development aligns with the latest agreement between India and China to begin coordinated patrols based on each country’s interpretation of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok and Depsang sectors.
The Indian Army reported that troops commenced patrolling in Demchok on Friday, with similar activity expected to start soon in Depsang. This coordinated approach allows both nations to share schedules.
The disengagement comes amid a broader effort to restore normalcy to the region after prolonged tensions dating back to 2020, when military confrontations led to a standoff along the LAC. Celebrating Diwali together, troops from both sides exchanged sweets at several border points, including Hot Springs, Karakoram Pass, and Chushul-Moldo, signaling a mutual commitment to fostering a peaceful atmosphere.
Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa welcomed the disengagement initiative, calling for peace and stability in the border region. “Those of us who live near the border know what war feels like. We desire peace along the border. We welcome the agreement between the two countries, but we want to see it implemented on the ground. Tensions along the border should be reduced through diplomatic means,” he said.
Indian Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized that trust-building along the LAC would require phased disengagement, de-escalation, and the establishment of buffer zones to eventually restore the pre-2020 status quo. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, acknowledged that while differences are natural between neighboring nations, handling them diplomatically is crucial.
(Inputs from ANI)