India, China resume patrolling in Depsang, Demchock

NEW DELHI: Patrolling has started in eastern Ladakh's Demchok and Depsang areas after disengagement of troops and verification that all temporary structures that came up since tensions escalated in 2020 have been removed as part of a joint agreement.

Sources said physical and technical verification of the border disengagement has been completed, leading to a resumption of patrolling.

"Patrolling by Indian troops in the Demchok sector in eastern Ladakh has started today. Patrolling in the Depsang sector is expected to start soon," sources said. It is learnt that as part of the agreement, Chinese soldiers have also resumed patrolling in Depsang and will start the process in Demchok later.


"After completing patrolling points in Demchok, Indian forces will move to Depsang in the next 7-10 days depending upon weather conditions whereas Chinese Army will patrol Demchok after completion in Depsang to avoid any confrontation on the ground," another source said.

As per the agreement, the two sides will inform each other about patrolling details to avoid troops coming face to face in the disputed areas. With the disengagement completed, patrolling has resumed in the disputed Depsang and Demchock areas that had been cut off from access since 2020. This includes patrolling points 10, 11, 11A, 12 and 13 on the Depsang plateau. Besides ground patrols, the two sides will also use technical means for surveillance, including drones, to monitor the disputed area.

Earlier, China had dismantled military infrastructure in the Depsang area that had been used to block Indian access. The structures at 'Y Junction', which is a critical access point, have been dismantled and at least two other Chinese posts that had been erected on the plateau have been removed.