In an important step towards ending the Ladakh standoff, India and China have agreed to disengage their troops from the Gogra Heights area of eastern Ladakh. But other friction areas remain in the region.
India and China agreed to disengage troops in the Gogra Heights during the 12th round of Corps Commander-level talks on Saturday. The meeting held for nine hours.
12th Corps Commander-level meet was constructive which further increased mutual understanding. Both sides agreed to solve remaining issues in a speedy manner in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols and maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations.
China has agreed to move back from PP17A which is known as the Gogra Post, but is not ready to move back from PP15 or the Hot Springs area. “Modalities are being worked out. But on PP17A, there is an agreement to disengage. On PP15, China continues to insist that it is holding its own side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC),” an official said.
It was six months back when last disengagement agreement between the two sides took place to disengage troops in the Pangong Lake area.
As per reports, details related to how the troops will move are being discussed and movement is expected to start within few days. The Chinese entering in the Depsang Plains and Charding-Ninglung Nallah (CNN) in the Demchok area were not discussed. Both the sides also agreed they would continue their efforts in ensuring stability along the LAC in the Western Sector and jointly maintain peace.
