New Delhi: The Indian Army issued a statement on Thursday, clarifying that the ongoing disengagement process between Indian and Chinese forces at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is progressing smoothly, without any roadblocks or objections from either side. This statement comes after India and China reached a consensus on October 21, 2024, to resolve tensions along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, ending a four-year military standoff.
In a social media post on X, the Army emphasized that disengagement at the strategic locations of Depsang and Demchok has been successfully completed, with all measures agreed upon being implemented as planned. The Army urged media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information, stressing the need for responsible reporting on this sensitive issue.
“Certain Media Articles on 06-07 November 2024 have speculated about roadblocks/objections in the disengagement process consequent to the consensus between the Indian and Chinese sides on 21 October 24. It is unambiguously stated that the disengagement at Depsang and Demchok has been completed and implementation of consensus as agreed to, is being undertaken in a planned manner that includes resumption of patrolling to traditional patrolling areas. There are no roadblocks/objections from either side that have been faced in this process,” the Army stated in its post.
The Army further added, “The articles published in this regard are speculative and bereft of facts. The concerned media houses are requested to verify and authenticate facts before publishing such sensitive articles and exercise due editorial discretion so that no unsubstantiated or misleading information is propagated.”
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In a positive step, the Indian Army resumed patrols at a key patrolling point in Depsang earlier this week, while patrolling activities in Demchok had already begun last Friday.
Adding to the encouraging atmosphere, Indian and Chinese troops marked Diwali last week by exchanging sweets at various points along the LAC, signaling a cooperative gesture amid ongoing disengagement efforts.
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On October 21, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the finalization of the disengagement agreement in Delhi, following weeks of negotiations. This agreement, which addresses patrolling and troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh, signifies a pivotal move toward reducing tensions that have simmered since the deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, the most severe military confrontation between India and China in decades.
