Chushul, Ladakh – In a recent development concerning the ongoing India-China standoff, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has reportedly set up four tents in the designated “buffer zone” located in Chushul, eastern Ladakh. Konchok Stanzin, a councilor representing Chushul, brought the news to light.
According to Mr. Stanzin, the PLA erected the four tents just below Table Top Mountain in Chushul merely two days ago. However, this area is specifically designated as a buffer zone, raising concerns about the PLA’s violation of the disengagement agreement. Mr. Stanzin expressed his apprehension, stating, “This is a complete violation of the disengagement agreement. Is it not a matter of concern?”
Local villagers informed the councilor that three of the tents had been removed following objections raised by the Indian Army. However, efforts are still underway to dismantle the fourth tent. The incident reportedly took place in the Table Top area of Gurung Hills in eastern Ladakh.
 Ladakh’s ‘Buffer Zone’, were established in five areas, including Galwan, the north and south banks of Pangong Tso, PP-17A, and the most recent addition, PP15, after numerous rounds of discussions between the Indian and Chinese armies. These buffer zones were established following the violent clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers on June 15, 2020, in the Galwan Valley, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.
The Ladakh’s ‘Buffer Zone’, were designated to demarcate areas that were regularly patrolled by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army before April 2020. This was in response to China’s increased troop deployment near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
The erection of tents within the buffer zone raises concerns about China’s adherence to the disengagement agreement and the stability of the region. Both India and China have been engaged in diplomatic talks to ease tensions and maintain peace along the border.
The Indian government and military authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding this latest development. The situation is being closely monitored, and further discussions are expected to take place to address the matter and ensure compliance with existing agreements between the two nations.