PLA Enhancing Intelligence, Surveillance Along Indian Borders: Report
New Delhi: Tibet Military Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is enhancing intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, UK-based Janes Information Group reported citing Chinese state-owned media. The development comes amid increased diplomatic and military tensions between New Delhi and Beijing over the standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that was partially resolved last month.
According to the report, footage released by the China Central Television 7 (CCTV 7) channel shows PLA Ground Force (PLAGF) using two sensor systems at the Xiao post along the Indian border. The video shows that the complex houses barracks, additional sensors and watchtowers.
The strengthening of border defences comes just within a month of the disengagement of forces on the north and south banks of Pangong Tso. On Friday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs had said that a “complete disengagement between the Indian and Chinese troops along the LAC would allow both sides to consider de-escalation of forces in Eastern Ladakh as that alone will lead to the restoration of peace and tranquillity and provide conditions for progress in our bilateral relationship.”
India-China need to quickly resolve the remaining issues: Jaishankar
In February, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said that India and China need to quickly resolve the remaining issues pertaining to the LAC in eastern Ladakh. “Once disengagement is completed at all friction points, then the two sides could also look at broader de-escalation of troops in the area and work towards the restoration of peace and tranquillity,” Jaishankar had said. Speaking in the Parliament after the disengagement along the Pangong Tso, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said that his government will not give even an inch of India’s land to adversaries.
