Army’s ‘Red Hunt’ exercise in Ladakh: Chinese troops oppose presence of Indian graziers near LAC
Amid Indian Army’s ‘Red Hunt’ exercise in Ladakh, presence of Indian graziers was objected to by Chinese troops near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok region of Eastern Ladakh over a week ago, people familiar with the development said on Monday.
However, the officials said that no face off or confederation happened and Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) objected to the presence of graziers within India’s perception of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Saddle Pass at CNN junction in Demchok.
The people said some Indian graziers were on the Indian side of the LAC in the region but the PLA objected to their presence claiming the area to be on their side. The incident is understood to have taken place on August 21.
“Such incidents happen in those areas because of differing perceptions about the LAC by both sides,” sources said, adding the incident figured in subsequent talks between area commanders of the two armies.
The incident took place at the time when India had conducted “exercise Red-Hunt” in the cold desert of Ladakh to check augmentation in lethality, survivability, mobility, and sustainable awareness being demonstrated, exploiting the newly inducted weapons and equipment.
Northern Command chief Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi also visited forward posts along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Eastern Ladakh sector and reviewed the operational preparedness of the troops.
Moreover, Dwivedi is also in Ladakh on a five day visit to review the security situation.
The Army Commander complimented Fire and Fury Corps for the conduct of people friendly operations and assisting the civil administration in improving the quality life of people in the border areas. The Army Commander also witnessed a demonstration on ‘Modernisation of Infantry Soldier’ at Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre followed by briefing by Commandant, Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre. Later the Army Commander visited Trishul Division and was briefed by Chief Engineer YOJAK and General Officer Commanding, Trishul Division on the operational preparedness.
On August 27, 2022, the Army Commander interacted with troops in the forward areas along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh. The Army Commander complimented them for guarding the borders along the most inhospitable and difficult terrain while maintaining a high standard of morale and professionalism.
Assuring the soldiers of the Nation’s support, the Army Commander exhorted all ranks to remain vigilant and maintain high order of operational readiness.
On 28 and 29 August, the Army Commander visited formations and units of Strike 1 in Eastern Ladakh and interacted with senior military officials.
Later, the Army Commander arrived at Headquarters Fire and Fury Corps and was updated on the prevalent security situation along the Line of Actual Control by Lieutenant General A Sengupta, General Officer Commanding Fire and Fury Corps.
Interestingly, the timing is very crucial as both sides witnessed prolonged military standoffs at a number of friction points in eastern Ladakh.
India has been consistently maintaining that peace and tranquility along the LAC is key for the overall development of Sino-India bilateral ties.
The Indian and Chinese militaries have held 16 rounds of talks to resolve the eastern Ladakh border standoff that erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas.
Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.
As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year on the north and south banks of the Pangong Lake and in the Gogra area.
