New Delhi: Former Army chief Gen. V.P. Malik (retd) has said it is too early to hope for peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, but called for continuation of strategic and economic measures adopted against China. Gen. Malik also expressed surprise about the criticism of the ongoing disengagement process at Pangong Tso, such as claims that India has ceded territory, saying it was mostly due to ignorance of facts and politico-military understanding or sheer prejudice.
Malik explained on Twitter that the temporary freeze on patrolling between ‘Finger 4’ and ‘Finger 8’ on the northern bank of Pangong Tso was essential to avoid clashes.
2. Temp freeze on patrolling between Finger 4 & 8 essential to avoid clashes. Defence structures built after Apr 2020 to be removed. Own troops located very close (in Chushul) when Kailash Range is vacated.
— Ved Malik (@Vedmalik1) February 13, 2021
The troops around the lake are going back to pre-April 2020 locations, he wrote, referring to the understanding reached by the two countries, under which Indian soldiers will move back to their last permanent base in the ‘Finger’ area, which is the Dhan Singh Thapa post of the ITBP, just short of Finger 3.
Similarly, Chinese troops will go back to their permanent post, which is beyond Finger 8 and is known as the Sirijap post.
While Indian troops are mainly based at Finger 2, the LAC is located at Finger 8. Indian troops used to travel by foot and were usually stopped by the Chinese at Finger 4 or 5.
The Chinese had managed to build a road till Finger 5 during the Kargil War, and they would travel by vehicles whenever they used to see Indian foot patrols. Indians cannot take vehicles beyond Finger 3 because the path to Finger 4 is very narrow and can be accessed only by foot.
While the Chinese claim the area till Finger 2 as their territory, they can only reach till Finger 4 on land because vehicles can’t go beyond that point.
Also read: Full text of Rajnath Singh’s statement in Rajya Sabha on India, China disengagement
Depsang, Gogra, Hot Springs, Galwan
Gen. Malik noted that on completion of the Pangong disengagement, talks for withdrawal in the Depsang Plains, Gogra, Hot Spring and Galwan are to be held within 48 hours. He added that full disengagement and de-escalation is bound to take long.
4.Full disengagement & de-escalation bound to take long. My assessment. India-China war-even limited-not in national/regional interest. China gave a message but failed to achieve political or military dominance. Our military has conveyed ability & determination to hold-off PLA.
— Ved Malik (@Vedmalik1) February 13, 2021
According to Gen. Malik, China has been “compelled to restore status quo ante” and India has been able to assert that LAC violations will affect all relations and its own border infrastructure building will continue. He also said India has strengthened itself geo-politically, strategically and economically.
“Too early to hope for peace, tranquillity & as-before relations between India & China. LoC type deployment on LAC; strategic & economic measures adopted already must continue,” he tweeted.
6. Too early to hope for peace, tranquillity & as-before relations between India & China. LoC type deployment on LAC; strategic & economic measures adopted already must continue.
— Ved Malik (@Vedmalik1) February 13, 2021
Also read: Army chief Naravane calls for renewed focus on Northeast amid ‘rising footprints of China’
The former chief has seen it all. The aggressive moves taken militaryly, political, logistical and economic is paying off. The Vietnamese gave them a bloody nose years ago. Leave them with a bloody nose and they whine. We have to strengthen ourselves and be as agressive as is necessary.
Probably, he is referring to Rahul Gandhi’s spontaneous claim that “Modiji has ceded territory to the Chinese”. Such wise statements and conclusions can come only from Rahul Gandhi!
Very sad political stunts by Rahul Gandhi. Army veterans should raise voice against it. Media organisations also need to counter the false news peddling by the Indian National Congress. When Donald Trump was lying about his election defeat, US media had stopped broadcasting his speech. Indian electronic and digital media also need to do like that. Without any bias.
While maligning Modi government Rahul Gandhi and company discouraging our armed forces. So sad. He attended only one session of the joint parliamentary committee for defence. By behaving like this Mr. Gandhi is exposing his wisdom. Congress leaders need to educate him.
Granting space to contrary views/opinion is very noble journalism. But when such views/opinion, degrade to name calling and foul mouthing ( even to one’s great grand father without realizing )it should be taken note of before granting space or reproducing the content.
It is an obvious sign of lack of logical argument, ignorance and arrogance.
Thats exactly what is happening. When the ministers, ruling party and trolls call it great victory, naturally the opposition call it a loss. The General need not worry.
Failed as Army chief. Known Godi Bhakat
Sir,
1. Very well articulated by you in this article.
Ignorance about ground realities and political one upmanship is wrecking havoc on the country’s national interests. Atleast on national security matters there should be cooperation with the government of the day from all countrymen.
But can Shri Rahul Gandhi understand all this???
It is good that our MPs are taking g interest in matters concerning national security.
We must be able to keep an open mind when questioned about our actions and provide factual replies.
Even the best of generals may make errors of judgment.
The system of inquiry and feedback results in improving quality of systems
We must not be disturbed by criticism.
India has not given up any claim, but the current agreements have a quid pro quo built-in.
India will not patrol between fingers 4 and 8 , while China goes back east of finger 8. Each side has given up something. There is nothing wrong in this, since it brings peace and stability at the LAC.
Congress making a noise about sell out makes no sense.
You are repeating exactly what Nehru said sixty years ago. Peace and Stability.
Thanks for even bracketing me with one of modern India’s great figures.
Mr Modi also seems to be moving in that direction.