India-China Border Dispute: Following an important agreement between India and China, the withdrawal of troops from Demchok and Depsang, two standoff points on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, has been completed and patrolling will soon start at these places. Indian Army sources gave this information on Wednesday. Sources said that on Thursday, on the occasion of Diwali, there will be exchange of sweets between the two sides.
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said during an event in Kolkata on the question related to the withdrawal of troops, ‘I hope that under this understanding, future relations will move forward smoothly and will not be restricted or limited by specific disagreements between the two sides. Will not be interrupted. The most important thing is how to deal with differences. The agreement reached between the two countries for patrolling and disengagement of troops on the LAC in eastern Ladakh is being seen as a major success in ending the standoff that has been going on for more than four years.
Patrolling methods decided soon
Army sources said that after the withdrawal of troops, verification work is in progress and the modalities of patrolling will be decided through talks between local commanders. He said, ‘Talks will continue at the local commander level.’ Sources had said on October 25 that the process of withdrawal of troops is likely to be completed by October 28-29. When asked about the plan to exchange sweets between the two sides on Diwali, a source said it is a ‘big victory’ both in military and diplomatic terms. However, at present it is not known where the sweets will be exchanged.
‘India wants to maintain peace with China’
Earlier, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that India wants to continue the peace process with China through consensus in accordance with the ideals of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said, “We want to continue this peace process through consensus.” Our former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said that we can change friends, but we want to maintain good relations with our neighbors and this is the clear policy of India.
(with input agency)
