Army turns Ladakh hilltops, ridgelines into ‘ kill zones’

Several vantage points along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh -- and particularly the ridgelines, hilltops and other strategic heights towards the north and south of Pangong Tso, which are in complete control of the Indian Army -- are being turned into “kill zones” to kill or capture the enemy.

Sapper units of the Army are said to have been tasked with creating multiple obstacles for the adversaries, should they resort to any misadventure. Laying anti- personnel mines every few metres is one of the key obstacles.

For the Indian Army, which has been “playing with landmines” along the Line of Control with Pakistan for decades to deter infiltrators and enemy action, the move at the LAC was necessitated to tame China’s People’s Liberation Army, which has turned a habitual offender when it comes to transgressing into Indian territory. For the PLA, though, dealing with kill zones being readied by Indian forces will be a first as, unlike Pakistan, they are not used to encountering deadly obstacles on the borders with India.

Well- informed sources told this newspaper that with the Army taking full

control of many strategic heights around Pangong Tso from where they are keeping a close watch on the PLA’s movements, tactical measures are being taken to thwart the enemy designs. It is here that the vast experience the Indian Army gained over the decades while dealing with Pakistan along the LoC came in handy. The LoC is one of the most heavily mined zones in the world.

As for the PLA, it has been found that they have planted landmines around their posts, a measure that Indian troops were also taking, as a precautionary measure.

“Now with the LAC hotting up like never before, there is a need for creating multiple obstacles, should the need arise,” sources said, adding that the only period when PLA soldiers have dealt with kill zones is during training, not on the battlefield.

Sources said that non- metallic ( NMM- 14) plastic anti- personnel mines are most preferred by the Indian forces while plans are afoot for creating more obstacles using claymore mines and anti- tank mines, among other explosives, to lay traps. “The LAC will remain hot for a long time. Therefore, all preparations are being made to ensure that there are no more incursions,” sources said.

The NMM- 14 has a shelf life of 10 years and is difficult to locate as it is made of plastic and contains less than 30 grams of explosive, enough to blow both legs once anyone steps on it.