ITBP deployment across entire LAC strengthened

As Indian and Chinese forces have started the disengagement process in the Ladakh sector, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), that is the key India-China border guarding force, is clearly not taking chances. It has further increased deployment along all parts of the Line of Actual Control such as the NorthEast, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to ensure that China’s

People’s Liberation

Army (PLA) “does not open a new front and confrontation zone” in these areas.

Home ministry sources said the ITBP had taken timely action by raising its deployment levels along the India-China border so Chinese security personnel don’t attempt any transgression exercise in other sectors.

“We had information that in an attempt to deflect attention from the ongoing disengagement

process in Ladakh, the Chinese PLA could create problems in some other areas along the border. We have thus deployed additional ITBP troops in Arunachal, Sikkim, and higher and remote areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal. Our security forces are alert and we will not let the PLA create any more mischief,” a senior MHA official remarked.

Both Indian and Chinese security forces agreed on a withdrawal formula in the Ladakh region after prolonged negotiation lasting several months. The Indian security forces, however, are on “very high alert” all along the India-China border. The sources said all ITBP sector commanders are getting daily reports from its advance and remote checkposts on the Chinese activity in their respective zones. A detailed analysis is then sent to the home ministry.

Both the ITBP and Army had made elaborate arrangements by stocking up on rations, essential commodities, tents, warm clothes to maintain high level surveillance during the harsh winter season. “The same level of alertness is being maintained that was noticed during the winter season. We have created good infrastructure which will be improved further during the summer,’’ the official added.