The Chinese army posse, which intruded 19 kms in Indian territory of Depsang Valley in eastern Ladakh, did not come to see and go back. This time it appears to be a deeply thought out strategy. They came on April 15, pitched tents and are engaged in augmenting their supply line for a longer strategic stay. Even the fourth flag meeting in Chushul ended inconclusively like the previous three.
The strangest part of this uncalledfor Chinese adventure is that since 1962 battles, China has been calling the shot. They attacked India without any provocation in Oct. 62. Then suddenly they unilaterally declared ceasefire on the 20th of that month and went behind a self-drawn Actual Line of Control(LAC). There are two LACs. They had intruded in 1960 also and the point of their retreat was one LAC. The line behind which they withdrew in 1962 became another LAC. The present incursion is the violation of both the LACs, drawn by them. When charged and asked to return to the previous position, they explain that they have not violated any international border and were in their own land.
Some Sinologists hold the view that this move may be the favourable ground preparation for bargaining in the next round of negotiations on demarcation of borders. According to them, last time China went back from Arunachal Pradesh reluctantly. But its greed for a particular chunk of land persists. In future border talks, they may agree to maintain status quo in Depsang Valley, if India accepted to hand over the claimed land in Arunachal Pradesh.
The reactions from the politicians in India have been at cross purposes. We remember Nehru’s comment in 1962 that the area which China had occupied was barren and nod even a blade of grass grew there. It was badly criticized. Almost in the same vein, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Home Minister said that he had seen the area which was noman’s land and hence such activities keep on going there. Here we may point Out that three small islands being disputed by China and Japan are uninhabited and still both the claimants are reluctant to play down the issue. Even Salman Khurshid, Minister for External affairs said that the incident was just an acne, requiring some ointment for treatment. A journalist, in a national daily warned him that sometimes the acne can disfigure the face. By far the whole issue needs some more pragmatic handling.
The Chief of the Army Staff briefed the Cabinet and made presentation about the likely courses to be adopted by India. One is diplomatic cannel to convince the aggressive neighbor. Second is to open more and more Indian camps in the area. The third bold step may be cutting the supply line of China. The supply is coming by truck from Chip Chap in Aksaichin and the road of about 25 km is kutcha. China intends to make it metalled so that the movement will be easier. This line is definitely fraught with escalation.
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