Indian, Chinese troops start dis-engaging in Gogra-Hotsprings (PP-15)

New Delhi: Indian and Chinese troops have begun to disengage in the Gogra-Hotsprings (PP-15) area of Eastern Ladakh, as per the joint statement released by both the countries on Thursday.
“On 8th September 2022, according to the consensus reached in the 16th round of India China Corps Commander-Level Meeting, the Indian and Chinese troops in the area of Gogra-Hotsprings (PP-15) have begun to disengage in a coordinated and planned way, which is conducive to the peace and tranquility in the border areas,” the joint statement read.
The 16th round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China took place on July 17 with the two sides saying that they “reaffirmed that the resolution of remaining issues would help in restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector and enable progress in bilateral relations”.
The two sides had a frank and in-depth exchange of views in this regard, in keeping with the guidance provided by the State Leaders to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest, the Joint Statement issued after the talks added.
After the 16th Round of Corps Commander Level talks, the two sides also “agreed to maintain the security and stability on the ground in the Western Sector and also agreed to stay in close contact and maintain dialogue through military and diplomatic channels and work out a mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.”
The talks which began around 9:30 am on July 17 on the Indian side at Chushul Moldo border meeting point concluded around 10 pm.
Based on sources, the UNI had earlier reported that India pressed for disengagement at Patrolling Point 15 in the Gogra Hot Springs area to ensure de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh during the 16th round of talks.
Before the fresh decision to disengage, the areas that still remain to be resolved in Eastern Ladakh were PP15, Demchok and Depsang where the Chinese continued to remain adamant.
The lingering border stand-off in Eastern Ladakh has entered in its third year.
Altering the May 2020 status, the PLA has also carried out construction of infrastructure near the LAC to ensure long survival of troops in the high-altitude area. (UNI)                                                                                                                                  (Feature photo credits- Drishti IAS)