No Roadblocks in India-China Disengagement, Patrolling Restored in Depsang and Demchok

New Delhi, India – Certain Media articles published on vember 6 and 7, 2024, have speculated about roblocks or objections in disengment process following consensus reached between India and China on October 21, 2024. Indian Army has firmly stated that disengment process in Depsang and Demchok regions has been completed successfully, with obstacles encountered during its implementation.

Indian Army emphasized that process, which includes resumption of patrolling in tritional areas, is proceeding in a planned and organized manner as agreed. claims published by certain media outlets regarding issues in disengment process are speculative and t grounded in fact. government has called on concerned media houses to verify information and exercise editorial discretion when publishing sensitive matters such as se.  

Verification Patrolling Begins in Depsang and Demchok  

On Saturday, vember 9, 2024, Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that “verification patrolling” has commenced in Depsang and Demchok areas along Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Lakh. This is part of ongoing disengment agreement between India and China, which was finalized on October 21, 2024, to reduce tensions in region and initiate repair of bilateral ties.

resumption of patrolling marks a significant development in India’s ability to access key areas in Depsang Plains, particularly close to strategically important Daulat Beg Oldie post near Karakoram Pass, and in Demchok sector, located in souastern part of Lakh. Indian Army has confirmed that coordination for patrolling in se areas, previously obstructed by Chinese, has w been established.

Depsang Plains h been a contentious area, where Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) h restricted Indian access to five patrolling points: PP 10, PP 11, PP 11A, PP 12, and PP 13. Indian sources confirmed that se restrictions have been lifted, and patrolling has w resumed under mutually agreed terms.  

This resumption of access to vital patrolling points is crucial for maintaining Indian security and operational reiness in region. Indian Army officials highlighted importance of se areas for ensuring country's defence posture along LAC.  

Government's Response to Media Speculation  

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs, reiterated that disengment process has been carried out as per mutual understanding reached between both countries. “As you are aware, last phase of disengment was agreed upon on October 21, 2024. As a result, verification patrolling has commenced in Demchok and Depsang,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing.  

agreement, which was reached after months of tense negotiations, signals a return to rmalcy in se key areas. resumption of patrolling in Depsang and Demchok represents a significant step toward restoring Indian control over its tritional patrol points, following years of disruption.  

A Key Step in Rebuilding Bilateral Relations  

This agreement is of immense importance, as it marks a shift in China’s stance toward Depsang Plains and Demchok, areas which, until recently, were t included in disengment talks. Earlier, Chinese h shown reluctance to discuss se regions while agreeing to diseng at or friction points such as Galwan (PP 14), Hot Springs (PP 15), and Gogra (PP 17A), as well as rth and south banks of Pangong Tso. current breakthrough in Depsang and Demchok reflects both countries’ desire to reduce tensions and enhance mutual trust.

Chinese side h long refused to discuss se regions, but following breakthrough agreement on October 21, special representatives of India and China will meet soon to discuss long-standing boundary issue in more depth.  

This agreement is viewed as a positive development for regional security, particularly as both countries look to man ir relationship more effectively after border clashes of 2020. shift toward rmalizing patrolling rights in se sensitive areas is expected to bring more stability to region, which has been fraught with tensions since Chinese incursions in Eastern Lakh were first detected in May 2020.