India, China to have meeting points at LAC

NEW DELHI: With an aim of quickly resolving any face-off situations, India and China have identified four locations along the Line of Actual Control ( LAC) in Ladakh as emergency meeting points for their troops.

The locations, including Chumar and Demchok, were identified during the recent talks between the two sides, sources said here today.

Further discussions will take place before any final decision is taken, they said.

Recently, an Indian delegation headed by a Joint Secretary-rank officer visited China after a Chinese delegation headed by the in-charge of Operations in the People's Liberation Army held discussions with the Director General of Military Operations here.

India and China last year signed the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement to avoid any face-offs between their troops along the LAC and evolve mechanisms to maintain peace and tranquility along the boundary.

Last year in April, a face-off situation was created after a group of Chinese troops entered 19 kms inside Indian territory in the Depsang plains of Ladakh and left only after three weeks of hectic parleys between the two sides.

As per the new CBMs discussed during meetings between the two sides, the Indian DGMO will be connected to his counterpart in China with a Hotline to discuss contentious issues immediately and seek early and speedy resolution of issues between the two sides.

The number of border personnel meeting points have also been agreed to be increased from two to four in the near future with Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh and Mana Pass in Uttarakhand being added to the existting Nathu La in Sikkim and Bum La in the Northeast.