(This article is originally posted by the India Today)
India and China have started disengaging from the banks of Pangong Lake as part of the disengagement process between the two countries there.
Sources said that under the first phase of disengagement, the Indian tanks are being moved back towards Nyoma and adjoining areas while the Chinese are taking them back beyond Sirijap and Moldo garrison.
“The movement of tanks and infantry combat vehicles from forward positions to rear locations started last evening itself. The disengagement from the two banks of the Pangong Lake is aimed to be completed within seven days,” sources told India Today TV.
After the first phase of disengagement is completed, the two sides would start discussing the other friction points, including the Patrolling Point-17 and PP-15, they said.
To finalise the modalities, sources said, the two sides had held extensive army to army discussions via hotlines as well as during the two physical meetings in the Chushul sector on February 8 and 9.
The strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong Lake – Rezang La and Rechen La, which were captured by the Indian troops in a preemptive operation in late August, are also witnessing disengagement.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday announced that the disengagement is mutual and India has not conceded anything in the agreement reached between the two sides.
While India has to move to the Dhan Singh Thapa post near Finger 3, the Chinese will be moving to east of Finger 8. The two countries have deployed over 50,000 troops opposite each other in Eastern Ladakh area ever since the Chinese tried to change the status quo.
