India deploys 45,000 troops China befitting reply

Live Desk: The Indian Army and various agencies reviewed the current situation in Ladakh on Sunday. The Indian Army deployment has now doubled in the last few months across eastern Ladakh as China has made forays. 40,000-45,000 troops have been deployed across Ladakh, up from 20,000-24,000. Besides, more ITBP troops are also on the ground.

Meanwhile, Chinese deployed 30,000-35,000 troops in the area, an official said.As China attempts to change the status quo in Chumar, Depsang, Demchok, Gogra, Galwan, Pangong Lake, Trig Heights, India has also heightened its aerial activities.

By May-end, China had started heavy mobilisation of tanks, artillery guns near Gogra. These additional combat forces are in addition to their regular troop deployment, reports India Today.

"That was when it was clear that the Chinese aggression is not limited to one or two areas," said an official. China's repeated obstruction of Indian patrols in the Ladakh's Galwan Valley on May 5 triggered a clash between Indian and Chinese troops close to Patrol Point (PP 14) that has now emerged as a big flashpoint in the ongoing tussle between the two armies.

A brutal clash took place in the valley on June 15 when 20 Indian army men were killed. China has not revealed its casualties even though inputs suggested that it also faced losses. According to inputs, the Chinese troops have also enhanced their boat patrols at Pangong Lake.

In addition to this, the Chinese deployment in the northern bank of the lake has also increased. The strength of Chinese troops varies from 1,000 to 1,500 personnel between Finger 4 and Finger 8.

The Chinese troops have built bunkers, observation posts between Finger 4 and Finger 8 in a clear violation of agreements changing status quo, officials said. Sources said that the de-escalation at Pangong Tso will be most critical for calm to return in eastern Ladakh.

Sources also said that not only has China come and camped in big numbers on the northern bank of the lake, but they have also enhanced their fortifications, observation posts and troop deployment between Finger 4 and Finger 8 that was considered a grey zone even though India claims territory till Finger 8.

The lake is divided into 8 fingers. In military parlance, the mountainous spurs jutting out into the lake are referred to as fingers. In addition to border forces, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) mobilised combat from sixth mechanised division part of the South Xinjiang military district.

Earlier, India deployed air defence systems in Ladakh to counter Chinese flying activity. Seeking to check the Chinese fighter aircraft and helicopter movements near Eastern Ladakh area, the Indian Army and Air Force deployed their air defence missiles in the eastern Ladakh area.