Early Times Report
Leh, July 6: The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has removed temporary structures at Patrol Point 14 in Galwan Valley of eastern Ladakh, the site of the bloody clash on June 15, but the retreat is yet to be verified on the ground, government sources said.
“Removal of tents is visible but whether they have pulled back needs to be verified on ground,” an official told .
Another official described the pullback as a “piecemeal de-escalation”, while adding that small steps are being taken to defuse the situation along the LAC that has been volatile for over two months.
Twenty 20 Indian soldiers including a commanding officer were killed in ugly clashes on June 15 in Galwan. While China has not revealed its casualties, reports from the ground have indicated that they faced losses. With troops reportedly moving back a few kilometres on Monday, the disengagement started as per agreed terms in the Corps Commander's meeting on June 30.
“No specific distance has been of the pull back can be confirmed as it needs to be verified,” said an official.
Sources said PLA has been seen removing tents and vehicles have also moved back in Galwan, Hotsprings and Gogra.
After the previous meeting at the Corp Commander-level, it was decided that a 72-hour period will be used for verification on the ground once the field commanders have decided to move back in their discussions.
“Till now, both sides are sticking to the plans discussed of disengagement in a phased manner,” said an official. |
