The situation in eastern Ladakh at the face-off points between Indian Army and the PLA–Pangong Tso, Hot Springs and Galwan river–remains unchanged from what I wrote in my last column in ThePrint. By now, the additional formations that would have been inducted by both sides to cater to escalation and further operations as per respective operational strategies, would have fully acclimatised to operate in these high-altitude regions.
Officially, both sides have been restrained in their statements and reiterated faith in diplomacy. Defence minister Rajnath Singh has said that diplomatic and military-level talks as per existing border management mechanism are in progress. While harping on “differing perceptions” about the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Singh said the Chinese presence along the LAC was in “achhi khasi sankhya (sizeable numbers)”. Major General-level talks have been conducted on 2 June and Lieutenant General-level, that is, talks at the level of Corps Commanders, are scheduled on 6 June.
China now has an upper hand in talks
Having seized the initiative by securing approximately 40-60 square km of Indian territory in three different areas, China will be negotiating from a position of strength and will try to impose unacceptable conditions–no further development of border infrastructure on the Indian side–to restore status quo on its own terms. If diplomacy fails, China has come prepared for a border skirmish or a limited war.
India’s task is cut out. It has to ensure that status quo ante 1 April, 2020 prevails for quasi sanctification of the “un-demarcated” LAC, so that China does not advance similar claims in future to gain tactical advantage and embarrass/humiliate India at will. If it cannot be done diplomatically, then it must be done by force. However, rather than evolving a clear strategy and broadly sharing it with the nation, the Narendra Modi government and the military have gone into ‘denial’ about any loss of territory, attributing the present situation to differing perceptions about the LAC.
Some journalists and activists are also busy peddling their interpretation of the alignment of the LAC to prove that no territory has been seized by China. A perception is being built for diplomatic acquiescence. What else does China want? We are playing into its hands.
I explain the ground situation in the three areas where loss of territory has taken place and analyse the dangers of justifying the loss to “differing perceptions of the LAC”.
Also read: ‘Unprecedented’ — India, China deploy Lt Gen-rank army officers to solve border row
Pattern of defence in Ladakh
The term LAC is not demarcated through a formal agreement, either side can vary in its perception. And this has remained the case despite the numerous confidence building agreements signed since 1993, and two informal summits. Out of the 857-km-long border in Ladakh, only 368 km is international border (IB) and the rest of the 489 km is the LAC. This was the line reached by China in 1962, which is exactly as per its 1960 claim line.
It is a treacherous high-altitude terrain with the valley height being 14,000 – 15,000 ft and hill features being at heights of 16,000-18,000 ft. The main defences cannot be physically located along the LAC because the terrain is not tactically suitable. These are located on the Ladakh Range, Pangong Range, along Shyok River and in the Depsang plains. The distance to the LAC varies from 10 to 80 km, depending upon the terrain. The main defences are manned by the Army and the LAC is secured by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The security of the vast spaces ahead of the main defences is ensured by covering elements deployed at selected places, mechanised forces and by physical/electronic surveillance. The ITBP posts are along the routes of ingress and in disputed areas, but are not continuous like we have on the IB in plains.
There are vast gaps between the ITBP posts along the LAC. There are areas where the ITBP posts are well short of the LAC due to lack of infrastructure. To defend the entire length of the LAC, in strength and man, the main defences, as we do at the LoC, we will require at least 4-5 divisions instead of just one that is committed now. Even in the present pattern, the ITBP strength has to increase tenfold to effectively cover the entire length along the LAC.
Also read: Not Pangong or Galwan, why India must worry about Hotsprings-Gogra region most
Pangong sector
The map shown above is at slight variation from the one in my last column based on fresh inputs.
Some journalists are misinterpreting the ‘Fingers’ north of Pangong Tso to justify the denial of loss of territory. The annotated satellite image of Google Earth above gives the correct location of the Fingers and the territory lost. In 1962, we were holding the area up to Sirijap. This was captured by the PLA in 1962 and consequently the LAC runs west of it at Finger 8, on to Ane La pass. The PLA post with a jetty (in pic above) is located east of Sirijap. Till 2011, our ITBP post was located well to the rear at Phobrang. The Chinese Claim Line is up to Finger 4. ITBP patrolled up to Finger 8 and the PLA up to Finger 4.
In 2013 – 2014 we developed a road to Finger 3 and Ane La pass. The ITBP established a new post near Finger 3 in 2013. The PLA patrols started blocking our patrols between Finger 4 and 8. The Chinese considered the establishment of the post at Finger 3 a violation of border management agreements. The frequent patrol blocking by either side led to a violent scuffle on 15 August 2017 and thereafter jostling by patrols became common. The PLA post remained at Sirijap and no post was established between Finger 4 and 8. Our patrols continued to patrol upto Finger 8.
In end April and beginning May this year, the PLA moved in regular troops and physically secured the area between Finger 4 and Finger 8 and now sits on top of Finger 4 . As per my assessment, based on my experience and media reports, the PLA has secured the entire area from Finger 8 to Finger 4, a distance of 8 km, and are overlooking our ITBP post between Finger 4 and Finger 3. It has also secured the heights along Fingers 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 up to height of 4,500 – 5,000 meters ie 4-5 km to the north. Total area secured by the PLA is 35-40 square km. The PLA has deployed one or two battalions to defend the area as marked (on Image 1) with one or two battalions as reserve at Sirijap.
Also read: India, China need to break stalemate, greater challenges ahead: Former envoy Ashok Kantha
Galwan sector
In Galwan sector, the PLA has secured the heights north and south of the Galwan river with. The PLA seems to have come across the LAC for 2-3 km in the valley and then climbed up the heights. It is also possible that it climbed the heights from China’s side of the valley and then moved along the heights westwards up to 3-4 km. What matters in mountains/ high-altitude is the control of the heights. The valleys become untenable when surrounding heights are with the enemy.
It is likely that the PLA has secured the heights with two battalions with one held as reserve at the LAC.
For the apologists of the “differing perceptions” who have theories to deny loss of territory, it is pertinent to point out that there are no differing perceptions about the LAC along the Galwan River. The intrusion here is deliberate to threaten the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DS-DBO) Road and prevent us from defending it by securing the Galwan valley and the heights north and south of the river.
Also read: Chinese intrusion in Galwan lasted for two weeks before it was cleared by Indian troops
Hot Springs
As per my assessment, at Hot Springs/Gogra, the PLA with nearly a battalion has almost surrounded the post and effectively denied the approach to Kongka La pass, which lies on the LAC but is not held by us. The aim here is to prevent road construction by India to the Kongka La pass. At Hot Springs and Kongka La, which is 4-5 km away from Hot Springs, there is no “differing perception” about the LAC.
Also read: Chinese intrusion in Galwan lasted for two weeks before it was cleared by Indian troops
Playing into the hands of the Chinese
The justification of “differing perceptions” is just playing into the hands of the Chinese. We are very clear about the alignment of the LAC as we have cremated/buried our comrades who were killed in action in 1962. China stopped exactly on its claim line of 1960 and our rear posts were located on this line during the ’62 War. It is the Chinese claim line that has been changing since 1950.
It should be clear to the discerning reader that to be in denial and acquiesce to explain the loss of territory to “differing perceptions” will open pandora’s box, and in future, result in loss of more territory, possibly at Chumar, Demchok, Fukche, Kailash Range, Hot Springs, along the Shyok River and in Depsang Plains. Who knows China may apply the same logic at Tawang in the near future?
China cannot be allowed to get away with usurping Indian territories like it has done till now. This confrontation must end with status quo ante 1 April, 2020 and sanctification of the LAC with formal exchange of maps. Major Shaitan Singh, PVC and Major (later Lt Col) Dhan Singh Thapa, PVC who defended Rezang La and Sirijap in 1962 and 3,000 of our soldiers who were killed in action would be very unhappy in Valhalla. They died fighting in areas that lie along the current LAC. It would be a shame if we now acquiesce to give up those areas without firing a shot using the fig leaf of “differing perceptions”.
No wonder the Chinese military strategist and philosopher Sun Tzu said some 2,500 years ago: “For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.”
Lt Gen H S Panag PVSM, AVSM (R) served in the Indian Army for 40 years. He was GOC in C Northern Command and Central Command. Post-retirement, he was Member of Armed Forces Tribunal. Views are personal.
ACCEPTING CHINA SUPREMACY WITH OLIVEBRANCH IS A MATTER OF HUMILITY AND INDIA RETALIATION IS AN APPROPRIATE TIME SINCE CHINA IS FACING WRATH OF WORLD IN VIEW OF COVID 19 WHICH ORIGINATED FROM WUAN CHINA
how much did the chinese pay you?
If situation warrants, India should not hesitate to go to give a Nuclear touch to brother Chinato stop it’s folly.
Hindi translation is not good.
You have proved beyond doubt that your leftist sycophancy by the editorial of the article ,let me inform the likes like you are under our boots
Some insights but the intent of the writer is not helping…he’s more about proving he is always right and knowledgeable and maybe would’ve been a better negotiator in this deal, makes me laugh anyway it’s a free country ain’t it. One thing the writer needs to know it that this govt is taking some firm decisions and forming boundaries whether inside or at borders. Unlike the previous govt which gave a perception of India being a helpless poor country.
Chinese a..s piece communist, anti national media “The Print” speaks. LoL…
Where is quint, busy in fabricating story with RNDTV …..
Chinese a..s piece communist, anti national media “The Print” speaks. LoL…
Where is quint, busy in fabricating story …..
There are many people who are with anti national forces working within India including few Army Officials. We don’t subscribe that India has lost some areas. War is not the final solution. People of India are determined to support their Government and Army. Chinese people have lost their international reputation and going to get a good rebuff.
On one side every one is saying that INDIAN ARMY IS DOING A FINE JOB AND DEVELOPED INFEASTRUCTURE TO REACH BIRDERS MUCH FASTER THAN AT ANY TIME DURING THE LAST SEVENTY YEARS. PROBABLY PRESENT PM IS NOT FRON THE NEHRU FAMILY SOME OEOPLE ARE PERTURBED AND SPREADING SOME DEMORALISING THE FORCES. APPEARS TO BE IN ROLLS OF CP.
The foundation for India surrendering To China was laid by our late PM , Jawahar Lal Nehru. In 1950’s when one of the five seats in the UN Security Council was vacated after the Member Republic of China (now relocated to the Present Taiwan) became the People’s Republic of China ( now the present China) the then US President, Eisen Hover offered seat to India. But the great man recommended the seat for the new China and China very gladly became a member of the UN Security Council. It emboldened China to swallow Tibet and then expand into Indian territories. And the the expansionism continues. The same China today stands against India becoming a Member of the UN Security Council.
At least Modi has the guts to oppose. But what to do ?China is mightier militarily. And it’s leaders have always been warmongering and wanting to attach areas of other Nations. Unless the US comes openly to India’ S aid, containing China will be almost impossible.
How do you know that they acquire 40-50 sq km? Can you share some facts? I agree from the long time Chinese using this strategy and acquiring our land. It is not something they did now. But ofcourse we need to take action in order to avoid these situation further. Surely we will loose our land if we did not respond in the way Chinese will understand.
#fakenews what else you can do…
It is high time that chinks hv to be shown places..better to ally with all like minded countries including Russia and be firm in taking back all areas where we hv jointly agreed.else creeping and occupying will continue to ou detriment
Just check other post from writer LT GEN H S PANAG (RETD) one gets to know biased nature.
If india is really in Denial and this report is accurate is a bloddy modern day loss and shame. We should by same strategy., Enter into areas where we can cut them off and capture back out areas. Also, we should not hesitate to put our soldiers on same peaks as well. Also, we should ready battalions of Brahmos and Agnis and advances fighter jets to shoot at once at multiple locations across the LAC and push them back to Tibet. And capture our own land back. We should also consider American defense radar installation in Andaman island if possible.
idiotic and insulting way of writing about india, chinese boot and india finger…shame on you….shame on print..
Sir, I think you leave us with bo reason to believe you either. The only people who know the facts are the ones on the LAC. So neither you sitting in your house and analyzing the satellite images which by the way have been done by many other analysts, can tell us that the Chinese have occupied our territory. I just hope its not one of your ill targeted jibe at the present dispensation coz i think all of us who follow some politics are aware about your political stand vis-a-vis this govt. You like many others have spread some of your propaganda to show the govt in a bad light. So i don’t think you present a factual picture of what is happening in Ladakh at all. And i think we should believe our Army in this case.
आज चीन के साथ सारे मुसिबतों के जड़ में नेहरू है❗ इसने नोवेल शांति पुरष्कार के लालच में चीन से नरमी दिखाता रहा और उधर चीन हमसे दुश्मनी करता रहा जो आज भी कर रहा है❗
नेहरू को तब हर्टएटक हुआ जब उसने देखा नोवेल शांति पुरष्कार जर्मनी के उईली ब्रांट को मिल गया था❗
Sir.. I think you leave us with bo reason to believe you either. The only people who know the facts are the ones on the LAC. So neither you sitting in your house and analyzing the satellite images which by the way have been done by many other analysts, can tell us that the Chinese have occupied our territory. I just hope its not one of your ill targeted jibe at the present dispensation coz i think all of us who follow some politics are aware about your political stand vis-a-vis this govt. You like many others have spread some of your propaganda to show the govt in a bad light. So i don’t think you present a factual picture of what is happening in Ladakh at all. And i think we should believe our Army in this case.
You look like somebody who is not aware of whats going on in Ladakh, last I heard the Chinese troops had gone back by 2 km. They did not attack early and have lost the initiative now. China is having a hard time saving face. Ajsksksksmmamamsma jakkakalalalalaajjhs
Abe u anti BJP….china and Pakistan me jage rho…
Every thing is either as per your assessment or as per media reports.
Kindly stop fooling around.
You haven’t provided any concrete evidence. Did not even cite the authentic sources.
Stop bluffing.
So we lost territory… We are weak … We are cowards.. We don’t work the way China does… Why ? We are corrupt to the core.. Our leaders are corrupt..
Dear fake news spreaders,
Hope you are not doing well.
I can help you see your vision of writing…..!!! Do one thing good in you misleading, miserable, meaning less life and that is, start writing D graded fiction books for filthy readers…. Who would actually enjoy you clueless, hopeless, relentless misguiding news writing.
You guys can do it in your filthy fake universe. Have faith in yourself.
Disregards,
Mindful Readers.
___
Fake news factory is print..group of liers and enimies of india. And some antinationals are a part of this basturd print media
Agreed with the analysis.
Right now the Modi government is locked in a corner though (one of its own making but nevertheless a corner). A show of force might not go well for India. Modi government can’t lose face within the country (they aren’t as honest or ethical as the Congress of 1960s Nehru) by admitting lost ground.
Is there a practical solution to the issue is the question.
For once Modi government can’t get away with taking a stupid “decisive” decision that does more harm than good and still gains public support like demonetisation, senseless lockdowns, gst and the likes.
your whole news shows how you hate modi gvnt, instead of modi modi modi, you would have said only government..but anyway tum saalo ka kaam hai modi gvnt ke baare hate bolna n dusro ki chattana…
fyi I m not a bhakt
The west need to sell their weopons so they applied technique of boosting Immature Indian politucian and we were in hurry to become avtar among bhkts
We should not depend upon west to solve our problems as we have to fight on ground and they have tosell the weapons
Ha ha ha most funniest article.
Truth = 0%
Stupidity = 100%
Do some real journalism
This biased gen didn’t tell what we shd do
Very good.
I can not imagine Indian Godi media is completely quiet and embarrassed about China usurping Indian land and India denying about it to it’s ppl is a matter of extreme shame. Is this the 56″ BJP is talking about ?
The name of this portal is enough to clearly , which side the article will portray.
Is it not possible , that BJP does something good , and such a long article published mentioning that.
And when public says that NDTV , The Print like platform are anti national.
One doesn’t like it.
Since the author has dissected and predicted the standoff in that fashion which makes him look in true “The print” style that he is right.
Would he mind reading my palm for me? Predicting my future?
I got some friends too, who would like their predictions done?
Let’s do it! What say?
Why author is spreading wrong news?
Sir, i want to agree with your views of Chinese encroachment, but in the same Pirnt i also read Abhijit Iyer Mitra’s report also. Why don’t you two come together with a clear and plausible conclusion for us viewers. We are in dilema as a reader.
China and Congress diplomacy is always leaving leverage to China in the past. Modi is friendly with Zinping and for purely business ! Modi will never ever budge for territory advantage by any neighbour inclusive of China, Pakistan and Nepal. Congress only left Katcha theev ( island ) to Srilankan !!
The diplomatic policy was always losing for India !!
Even war comes, China will be the biggest loser interms money and diplomacy !!
If India is not there Chonese economy will be utter failure, there will be a big revolution will erupt in China and Chinese military has to kill millions of people !!
Either China wants few kilometers of Indian barren land or India’s trillion dollar business and biggest business and cultural friendship !!
If Chinese diplomacy wins, it is great for them only, India may not gain anything more than unusable barren rocket land !!
Even war comes, it is better for India, to develop on it’s own business and establish big business with all countries other than China and Pakistan and few others.
Is anyone read your articles. On paper like the mint, mirror , opinion etc go on writing just rubbish.
All i can read is PROPAGANDA.
Lt Gen Pang , the situation on the ground has been well reported that fingers under Indian control have been occupied by Chinese, there is no need to make a political point. What is needed is your view on what can be done! any military person will give you ground realities…all most all experts have given very accurate ground position. Did you face such situation? if so how did you deal with it?
We all know that border infrastructure is only for the past 6 years have been given priority,military equipment being upgraded, so on and so forth…its natural that China in its interest has reacted, so is our response, if you defer ,what is your suggestion that’s more important than blaming few journalists for reporting as per your view differently .
I personally know few of the past BRO chief’s, they have clearly stated that nothing was happening until last 6 years on infrastructure………therefore, incursions then were never reported as no one actually had access…..except frequent patrols….
Please use forums to suggest possible actions, no one needs one more person to tell the ground position, in today’s time nothing remains hidden. I have served the same armed forces you have served, it will not keep quiet ,but will fight with its might to protect the country’s interests.
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“….Major Shaitan Singh, PVC and Major (later Lt Col) Dhan Singh Thapa, PVC who defended Rezang La and Sirijap in 1962 and 3,000 of our soldiers who were killed in action would be very unhappy in Valhalla….”?
Surely the good Lt. General means “Nirvana” instead of “Valhalla”? Valhalla is the ancient Norse heaven.
Besides that minor point, the article is good on details and quite fair with the main points which is that the Chinese have probably asserted a more aggressive stance on where they perceive the LAC to be in light of their worry that the Indian side are building a road that they perceive to threatens their interest.
Might I also add that maybe this is, perhaps as a secondary Chinese motive, a delayed payback by the Chinese for when in 2017 they were in Doklam building a road in a disputed border area with Bhutan, the Indians uninvitedly moved in to challenge the Chinese? That the Chinese have put the Indians on notice that they can also do unexpected manoeuvres at the top of the world and with the same reasoning as the Indians gave in 2017?
I expect the resolution of the current difficulties will involve compromises on both sides.
You are very very stupid.who chosen you to become journalist
He has served 40 yrs in Army so salute to him. But i have one complaint with all high ranking officials, Army officers , bueurocrats and judges , till d time they serve , they don’t even whimper and once they retire , they got all the gyan for others. One simple question to Lt. General.. when u were GOC north , why didnot u ensure exchange of maps ?? Suddenly that become no. 1 priority why ?? Because even he knows that’s the bone of contention between India and China. China just don’t want to settle the boarder issue. Once u exchanged the maps u recognise the boarder. So something which u could’nt achieve in your service , why that should be seen as failure if your successors are not able to do so..
The title and the contentof this article is very true.
Modi should now sing in chorus with Donald Trump and should recognise Tibet, Hong Kong and Taiwan as a separate, sovereign nation. And like this, Modi should now give China a strong message that if the Chinese doesn’t respect our border and territorial integrity and if they doesn’t obey “One India Policy”, then we would also not follow “One China Policy”.
Why isn’t NaMo taking a very very strong stand against China by banning Chinese goods by implementing anti-dumpling regulations?
While the patriotism and jingoism of a soldier at heart is fully understood and appreciated, it’s ironic that senior military leaders of the yesteryears choose not to carry out a net assessment of the situation as it unfolds, in determining what’s best for the country in the given circumstances. You need to cut the suit according to the cloth. Besides, Military plans and responses aren’t some soap operas that need to be beamed into people’s living rooms for information and collective ratification. I am sure you did you best bidding when you were at the helm, without playing to the gallery. Please grant the leaders and the senior echelons in the armed forces the similar wisdom to absorb the import of the present standoff, and take necessary action required in the best interest of the country. Trying to arm twist them into action with such a mistimed narrative could have been avoided.
The reason I hate the western media
Unverified news will be published
Stop printing fake news
China doesn’t have a upperhand or 40-60 km of indian territory and it would wage a war if they infiltrate indian region
Lt General Pang what are you suggesting given the situation, we all know some of the fingers have been impinched by the enemy, I do know that the infrastructure work is happening only now….so will be the problems from the enemy, stating the position and blaming some media will not enhance your status, but it appears gleeful, instead advice what is suggested to do.
The author has no idea of LAC and IB, the analysis done is figment of his own imagination.
For eg at pangong lake finger 8 is in fact IB which is far east from finger 4. But here the author is describing finger 4 as finger 5,6,7,8.
After 1962 war we have been patroling upto finger 4 only after loosing sirijap. Chinese had post east of sirijap and they had been patroling upto finger 4.
The same type of imagination analysis is in case of Galwan and Hot Springs.
Better do some homework and then blarb