“The size of the patrolling party has been fixed, and Indian soldiers will carry weapons while patrolling,” sources said.The standoff at Depsang is significant, as Chinese troops blocked access to five patrolling points—10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13. The blocked area is around 952 sq. km, according to sources.There are 65 patrolling points along the 832 km LAC in Eastern Ladakh, stretching from the south of the Karakoram Pass to the southern part of Demchok. The five patrolling points in question are east of the strategic Sub-Sector North road, close to the LAC but within Indian territory.Sub-Sector North, which includes Depsang, is strategically vital. The terrain permits large-scale armour operations, and China has multiple roads supplying the area, while India relies on the DSDBO Road. Depsang is also a crucial link to Siachen and the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airfield. The Y-Junction is about 20 km from DBO. Patrolling points are established to assert India’s claim over the LAC.At Charding Nullah Junction (CNJ) in Demchok, a few Chinese tents remain, highlighting the ongoing complexities, as the LAC passes through CNJ.In response to Chinese troop movements in 2020, India deployed over 68,000 troops, 90 tanks, 330 Infantry Combat Vehicles, and other artillery to forward positions.The situation along the LAC remains critical, requiring vigilance and strategic patience from both sides.This agreement does not cover disengagement in other areas where the standoff began in April 2020. Talks continue regarding buffer zones and patrolling limits in those areas, where disengagement has already occurred.Disengagement in Galwan, Gogra, Hot Springs, and the north and south banks of Pangong Tso took place earlier. De-induction after disengagement will depend on building trust, followed by de-escalation.All disengagements, including previous ones, have been based on the principle of mutual and equal security, without prejudice to either side’s claims over the LAC.Both sides have differing perceptions of the boundary, which has been contested since the 1962 border war. This has led to recurring friction between forces due to divergent views on its alignment.
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