Form of words:
New Delhi: ThePrint has learned that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has moved its troops stationed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, as both India and China increase their positions for the cold winter.
Sources in the Defense and Security Establishment said that the PLA has done a complete rotation, meaning new troops were brought in instead of regular transfer of troops.
A normal rotation means that troops stationed at the front are moved back, and soldiers of the second level are deployed forward. Soldiers in the reserve are sent as a second level of security. The cycle keeps repeating.
Sources said the Chinese have been rotating troops in a much shorter time-frame than the Indian Army, but declined to provide details on when the latest rotation happened.
Besides, almost all the soldiers deployed by the PLA at forward points along the LAC for winter are in their early 20s, a move to ensure that they can withstand the rigors of the climate, the sources said.
Sources said the current rotation of troops (new battalions) coincided with the shutdown of all communication systems to reduce the chances of tracking. The PLA also laid great emphasis on setting up medical infrastructure to ensure that soldiers are looked after as winter in eastern Ladakh can be punishing.
Last winter, PLA troops were deployed for the first time in forward posts along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
Read also: China builds one more village near Arunachal, more in Bhutan, heliport along LAC
India ready
The Indian Army and Air Force have also ensured massive logistical support for about 30,000 soldiers deployed in Eastern Ladakh.
Sources said all the special shelters built for winter deployment last year have been scaled up, and logistics have been taken care of.
Logistics includes rations, specialized fuel, and ammunition and other support systems.
Last week, the Army and Air Force carried out Operation Hercules, a High-intensity airlift, to strengthen logistics supply in the northern region and increase winter stocking in operational areas.
The C-17, IL-76 and An-32 were the platforms used for the airlift. Sources said it was also an indication of how quickly additional troops and equipment could be deployed if needed.
There has also been an emphasis on underground hard storage, which can withstand any kind of attack, and increasing the number of repair facilities for various equipment, sources said.
As informed of By ThePrint, it’s not just the military that is stationed at forward locations. The IAF has deployed its personnel to operate surveillance radar and air defense systems at several locations along the LAC.
the army also to be done Major changes to its Order of Battle and command structure to take care of the LAC.
(Edited by Amit Upadhyay)
Read also: Villagers in Ladakh’s Chushul demand infra, 4G, grazing rights to counter salami slicing on LAC
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