Following consensus over disengagement between India and China, the People's Liberation of Army is vacating Finger areas in north Pangong Tso which they had ingressed for over 9 months.North Pangong TsoThe Chinese troops have dismantled their temporary structures, sangars (bunkers made up of stones) that they have built in the last 9 months between Finger 4 to Finger 8.They also removed jetty helipads, which they had established around Finger 5. Earlier, the jetties were stationed east of Finger 8.
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They have also moved back their artillery guns and missiles that were deployed at Finger 7.China claims area till Finger 2 as their own while India's perception line stands at Finger 8.China has its permanent base beyond Finger 8 at Moldo Garrison while India’s has at Dhan Singh Thapa base near Finger 3.
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South Pangong TsoAs per the videos and photos released by the Indian Army, Chinese tanks, infantry combat vehicles and JCB machines are seen retreated towards Chinese side.Both sides have withdrawn their tanks and vehicles by a few kilometers, the official said.In southern bank of Pangong Tso, the two sides have no issues about the claim line.
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Taking a preemptive measure, Indian Army dominated the strategic heights at multiple tops in this area.Since the altitude was such that the troops and tanks were in an eyeball to eyeball situation. The distance between the two forces was just 50-70 meters."It was necessary to disengage the troops in an effort to avoid Galwan Valley-like situation of June 15, 2020," an official said.
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In Galwan Valley, the two forces had a violent scuffle which resulted in the killing of 20 India troops, including a Colonel rank officer. China also suffered massive casualties but has not yet confirmed the number of lives it lost.No side will do patrolling till the things get normal.As per the official, the disengagement process in Pangong Tso areas would be completed by February 20.
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Next talks on Gogra, Hot Springs and DepsangOn February 11, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed the Parliament that the disengagement process in Pangong Tso has begun and once it gets over, senior commanders’ level meet will take place with 48 hours, wherein they will hold talks on Depsang, Gogra and Hot Springs.Among these friction points, Depsang is not being the part of ongoing standoff which began in early May last year.Initially, the dispute between two armies emerged in 2002 for the first time. But it flared up in 2013. As per the sources in the army, the Chinese troops used to confront Indian soldiers when they went out for patrolling.
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