PLA Set Up Four Tents In Ladakh Buffer Zone, Three Were Removed After Indian Army Objected

In a recent development related to the ongoing India-China standoff, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has pitched four tents in a “buffer zone” in Ladakh’s Chushul, according to local councillor Konchok Stanzin.

Stanzin revealed that villagers informed him about the presence of three Chinese tents in the buffer zone, which were subsequently removed after objections were raised by the Indian Army. The removal process for the fourth tent was underway at the time.

The tents were set up in the Table Top area of Gurung Hills, located in eastern Ladakh. This incident has raised concerns as it violates the disengagement agreement between the two countries. Stanzin expressed his worry, stating, “The area falls under a buffer zone. Then how did those tents come up? It is a complete violation of the disengagement agreement. Isn’t it a matter of concern?”

The creation of buffer zones came after extensive discussions between the Chinese and Indian armies following the violent clashes in Galwan on June 15, 2020, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. These buffer zones, including Galwan, the north and south banks of Pangong Tso, PP-17 A, and PP-15, were established to ease tensions and were previously patrolled by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Indian Army.

This recent incident highlights the delicate nature of the standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The unauthorized presence of Chinese tents in the buffer zone raises concerns about the adherence to the disengagement agreement and calls for attention to the ongoing situation.

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