India, China begin Kailash area pullback
Soldiers from both armies likely to complete withdrawal across Pangong Tso by weekend
Indian and Chinese soldiers have started moving back from the Kailash Range on the south bank of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh as per their disengagement agreement. Sources said the disengagement process is likely to be completed in Pangong Tso by the end of this week.
The Indian Army on Tuesday released videos which showed the Chinese troops dismantling sangars, temporary structures, and loading up supplies and provisions onto trucks. The Chinese PLA soldiers could also be seen using earthmovers to dismantle shelters and restoring landforms as per the agreement. These videos showed a large number of Chinese soldiers de-inducting and moving back. The Indian Army is keeping a close watch on the entire disengagement process by the Chinese army.
Indian soldiers are moving back from Gurung hill, Magar Hill, Rechin La and Rezang La from the southern bank of Pangong Tso. These heights were occupied by Indian soldiers in a pre-emptive action in August 2020 to dominate the Chushul-Moldo area and to put pressure on the Chinese troops.
Last week both sides started moving back their armoured vehicles and tanks from the south bank of Pangong Tso. The Chinese soldiers have dismantled
CHINESE TROOPS will move east of Finger 8 on the north bank of Pangong Tso and the Indian soldiers will move to their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa.
the military infrastructure set up at Finger 5 on the north bank of Pangong Tso, including jetty and a helipad.
After completion of the disengagement process in Pangong Tso, Indian and Chinese commanders will meet to take up other outstanding friction points at Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in eastern Ladakh.
Last week India and China had reached an agreement to disengage from the north and south banks of Pangong Tso to their pre-standoff positions after the nine-month military standoff in the region.
Under the agreement, Chinese troops will move east of Finger 8 on the north bank of Pangong Tso and the Indian soldiers will move to their permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3. There will be a “temporary” freeze on patrolling by both sides in the area between Finger 4 to Finger 8 on the northern bank of Pangong Tso till both sides reach an agreement at the diplomatic and military talks.