The Hindu : 50 Chinese sorties across LAC this year

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 26, 2003

National

National

50 Chinese sorties across LAC this year

By Sandeep Dikshit

NEW DELHI July 25. Chinese "intrusions" into India, that involve armed patrols crossing the line of actual control (LAC) and returning unchallenged thanks to strict instructions in this regard from the Government, are a routine occurrence, according to sources in Army headquarters. The "intrusions" are not confined to the eastern part of the LAC, the McMahon Line. Armed patrols come in also in the Western Sector that marks the Ladakh border. In some areas, vehicles carrying Chinese soldiers cross the LAC once every three days. However, according to the sources, India is reluctant to record and acknowledge these violations.

One of these areas concerned is Trig Heights in Ladakh where, according to a confidential Army document, "vehicle mounted Chinese patrol transgressed own [our] perception of the LAC'' on at least 90 occasions last year. Such patrols have made 50 sorties so far this year. Similarly in eastern Ladakh, incursions occur on the northern bank of Lake Pangong Tso more frequently. Chinese patrols come in every week on the eastern bank of the lake, which is also claimed by India.

The two countries have different perceptions about the border. Experts, however, say that the differences are purely of a technical nature. The contours used by both countries for the demarcation of the LAC do not have the same "intervals". This leads to the absence of sharp demarcation in some places. That is why in the late 1980s the Chinese moved the border a few kilometres in Tawang. (This was the site of the air crash that killed the Minister of State for Defence, N. V. N. Somu.) That could also be why the incursions in the east are considered less problematic than elsewhere.

While maintaining that incursions are occurring frequently at some places, the sources make two points. One, they would not tell how frequently the Indian troops were crossing into China beyond admitting: "Our boys also do that sometimes.

This should not be treated as a major issue." Second, both countries have sequentially implemented the agreement signed in 1996 on "confidence-building measures in the military field along the LAC". As a result, say Army sources, "not a bullet has been fired by either side for over a decade".

The agreement envisages the removal of tanks, combat vehicles, surface-to-surface missiles and anti-aircraft missiles from the vicinity of the LAC. It also bars division strength (15,000 troops) military exercises near the border. The implementation of these measures and visits by senior Army officials, including the Chief of the Army Staff, have helped avoid the kind of direct confrontation that is a regular feature on India's disputed boundary with Pakistan.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National