Chinese Army removing tents, seen withdrawing troops from Galwan Valley: Sources

In first sign of de-escalation of tension in eastern Ladakh, Chinese Army has removed tents and started to withdraw its troops from Galwan Valley as decided during high-level talks between two militaries, government sources said on Monday. Galwan Valley was site of a violent hand-to-hand clash between two militaries on June 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

China's People's Liberation Army was seen removing tents and structures at patrolling point 14, sources said, adding rearward movement of vehicles of Chinese troops was seen in general area of Galwan and Gogra Hot Springs. y said disengment of Chinese troops in area has begun as per decisions arrived at during Corps Commander-level talks.

sources said re was clear sign of withdrawal of structures and troops from patrolling point 14 in Galwan Valley and that y are likely to move back more than a kilometre in area. sources said it would t be possible to kw immediately how much distance Chinese troops are going back and that re will be clarity only after a proper verification process is conducted.

clashes in Galwan Valley took place after Indian troops strongly opposed erection of a surveillance post by Chinese side near patrolling point 14. It is t immediately kwn wher de-escalation initiative has also been started in Pangong Tso area where Chinese side has significantly enhanced its presence, particularly in areas between Finger 4 and Finger 8.

On June 30, Indian and Chinese armies held third round of Lt General-level talks during which both sides agreed on an "expeditious, phased and step wise" de-escalation as a "priority" to end standoff. first round of Lt General talks were held on June 6 during which both sides finalised an agreement to diseng gradually from all standoff points beginning with Galwan Valley.

However, situation deteriorated following Galwan Valley clashes as two sides significantly bolstered ir deployments in most areas along LAC. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise visit to Ladakh during which he said era of expansionism is over and that history is proof that "expansionists" have eir lost or perished, in comments which were seen as a clear mess to China that India is t going to backoff and would deal with situation with a firm hand.

Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for last seven weeks. tension escalated manifold after killing of 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley. Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out details. Both sides have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks in last few weeks to ease tension. Following Galwan Valley clashes, Army has sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along border besides moving in heavy weapons.