Naravane briefs Rajnath on Ladakh

NEW DELHI: The Army has shared its ground assessment in eastern Ladakh where thousands of troops have been in a stand off with China since early May and has told the government what equipment would be required on an urgent basis if the situation prolongs for the long haul.Army chief MM Naravane briefed defence minister Rajnath Singh on the ground situation in eastern Ladakh on his return from a two-day visit to the region on Friday. Sources said that the Army is extremely cautious on whether movements on the ground match the bilateral talks being undertaken to resolve the situation. Also, the stand off is expected to be a prolonged affair as the Chinese side has dug in strongly at several locations along the LAC, besides having reinforcements in the rear.Naravane's briefing focused on his meeting with top field commanders and the Army’s preparedness and capabilities to counter China’s People’s Liberation Army in case of an escalation. In particular, the defence minister was apprised of concerns in particular areas where the PLA has build up in numbers in the days after the clash at Galwan.The two spoke about plugging gaps and deficiencies. Naravane is also believed to have spoken on emergency equipment purchases required and conveyed the Army’s assessment of PLA activities along LAC.Naravane also spoke to Singh about the disengagement. At the June 22 meeting between the Army’s 14 Corps Commander Lieutenant General Harinder Singh and his Chinese counterpart at Moldo, across the LAC in eastern Ladakh, China had agreed to move back troops into its territory. However, officials said that the disengagement would take time. It will be important to see if PLA vacates occupied positions at Finger 4 along Pangong Tso, where the situation remains tense.The PLA has been making forays into different sectors along LAC, such as the strategically important Depsang bulge situated at more than 16,000 feet. Chinese armoured columns have amassed along the LAC here. PLA has also built up in Gogra-Hot Springs, Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley. China has again setup a structure near Patrol Point 14 in Galwan, where violent body combat took place between troops on June 15, which led to killing of 20 Indian soldiers.China has deployed more than 10,000 troops backed with tanks and artillery guns along LAC. The Indian Army has countered them by deploying about three divisions with additional tanks and artillery guns.

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