Situation along LAC tense as India, China build up forces

Indian Army’s recent success along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has not gone down well with the Chinese who have been found building up tanks and infantry forces in the South Pangong region of Eastern Ladakh.

The Indian Army gained control of several key heights in the area on August 30. Sources said the Chinese artillery is located about 20 kms away from the LAC.

NDTV reported that additional tanks have been detected not too far from Chinese positions in Moldo in South Pangong. The Indian Army seems to have a clear view of the movement of Chinese heavy weaponry in the crucial Spanggur Gap, a high-altitude pass of more than two kms in width through which tanks can operate.

The Indian Army too has reinforced tanks and forces along the LAC. Indian Army infantry forces are located in heights from where they can engage Chinese troops with anti-tank guided missiles, rockets, and other weapons. Besides, missile-armed T-90 battle tanks and T-72M1 tanks are operational in high-altitude areas in Eastern Ladakh.

An NDTV report suggests that despite the domination of Indian forces in the region, the Chinese Army continue to hold positions on Black-Top and Helmet, two areas on the Chinese side of the LAC. However, the Chinese may not find it easy to maintain the two positions because they lie in the direct range of Indian forces.

Related news: LAC ‘slightly tense,’ precautionary deployment made: Army chief

The Chinese Air Force has been active in Ngari-Gunsa and Hotan air bases in Tibet. The Indian Air Force, which is heavily deployed at multiple air bases across North India would respond to Chinese air activity by flying its own combat-sorties across the Line of Actual Control.

Earlier in the day, Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane said the situation along the LAC is “slightly tense”, adding that “we have undertaken some precautionary deployments for our own safety and security. We are sure that the problem can be resolved fully through talks.”