Vigil increased along LAC in Arunachal, Sikkim
Officers in charge of the forward bases
have, however, been instructed not to make any aggressive gesture or get
provoked by any action from across the LAC. They are to report any movement that
doesn't seem normal.
(PLA) in Ladakh, sources in the Eastern Command confirmed.
Officers in charge of the forward bases have, however, been instructed not to make any aggressive gesture or get provoked by any action from across the LAC. They are to report any movement that doesn't seem normal.
"Our troops along the LAC are always on alert. However, it is true that the incidents in Ladakh have led to heightened surveillance of movement along the LAC. The Eastern Command is quite prepared to handle any situation but we don't wish to give the impression that we have adopted an aggressive stance. Probably, this is what the Chinese want us to do. We simply wish them to understand that if they try anything funny in a sector where surveillance is a bit low, we can exert pressure somewhere else. Once this understanding is reached, there is little possibility of hostilities," an officer said.
Officers believe that the latest incidents in Ladakh will provide more impetus to the plans to raise four new divisions for the Indo-China frontier. Two of these divisions will be under the Eastern Command.
Over the last few years, China has increased military presence along the LAC, particularly across Arunachal Pradesh. While CSS-3 intermediate range ballistic missiles have been replaced by advanced CSS-5 medium range ones very close to the LAC in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), airfields have been constructed at Kong Ka, Hoping and Pangta in addition to the ones in TAR.
A large number of Border Defence Regiments of the PLA have also been deployed along the LAC. Elite units of the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) have been deployed in Chengdu, which is close to TAR. These units can be moved to the LAC within 48 hours, thanks to better infrastructure on the Chinese side.
"There has been force build-up on our side as well. Special exercises have also been held to mobilize troops even in regions where infrastructure is a problem. However, the government needs to understand that infrastructure development is very important if India wants to establish any real control over the situation. Unlike our troops who have to man or patrol the LAC, even during difficult times of the year, on a regular basis, the Chinese can take it easy. They know that they can mobilize troops in any sector within hours as infrastructure is good. On the Indian side, we don't have this luxury and troops have to be posted close to the border. Moreover, they have to be prepared for any situation as time is an enemy," another officer said.
While the Army has deployed Brahmos cruise missiles in the east, the Indian Air Force has stationed Su-30 MKIs in Tezpur. Officers maintain that a major cause for concern is the Chumbi Valley — a tri-junction between Sikkim, Bhutan and TAR. This is extremely close to the 'chicken neck' region that connects the Northeast to the rest of the country. Should the Chinese plan some mischief at this location, it could lead to major chaos.
No comments:
Post a Comment