The Chinese military has increased its activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Barahoti area of Uttarakhand. The movement on the Chinese side in the area has reportedly been seen after a gap of over six months.
As per government sources, around 40 troops of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) were recently spotted patrolling the area along the LAC in Barahoti. “Around 40 Chinese Army troops came to the area along the LAC in Barahoti. PLA troops were seen in the area after a long time,” the sources said.
In light of the recent developments along the LAC, the central sector may see heightened Chinese activity in the near future but all preparations have been made to deal with the situation, sources added.
China has also heightened activity at its air base near Barahoti where a number of drones and helicopters have been operating, the sources said.
The Indian forces reportedly moved and deployed its troops in the sector in Uttarakhand last year to avoid a Ladakh-like scenario. India has positioned additional troops in the central sector and rear formations have gone ahead there, the sources said.
Barahoti has seen several transgressions in the past and is claimed by the Chinese as part of their territory.
Recently, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Central Army Commander Lt-General Y Dimri reviewed the security situation in the central sector, which included areas along the LAC in Uttarakhand.
India and China have been locked in a military standoff at multiple friction points in eastern Ladakh since early May last year.
The two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong lake in February following a series of military and diplomatic talks. The two sides are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points.
According to military officials, each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control in the sensitive sector.
