India is beefing up its security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, with newly built roads, bunkers and battle tanks at over 14,000 feet in Eastern Ladakh.
After having to abandon the Forward Policy and facing the humiliation after the Indo-China war of 1962, India had neglected infrastructure along the disputed border, even as China transformed the mountainous terrain into a showcase of its economic and military strength.
However, since 2012, the Indian Army began deploying units on longer tenure along the LAC.
The Hindu quoted Lt Gen SK Patyal, General Officer Commanding the Leh-based 14 Corps, which is responsible for the entire eastern sector with China and some parts of the Line of Control with Pakistan, as saying:
We have to defend our borders. So whatever it takes us in terms of infrastructure development, in terms of force accretion, we have to do in the best manner.
Roads are specifically being strengthened to allow the movement of heavy vehicles to bring in troops, since China has already conducted several exercises to transport troops in case of a crisis.
To match up, India has in turn built a number of landing grounds along the frontier. An official told The Hindu:
There is not much accretion by China, but their logistical capability has gone up.
Officials said that increased patrols both on land and water on the Pangong Tso lake have resulted in a lot more stand-offs with the Chinese army which are usually settled through banner drills.
Work on the Darbuk-Shyok-aulat Beg Oldi road is going on to increase connectivity. Certain projects have already been completed.
Col BS Uppal, commanding officer of 16 Garhwal Rifles said:
In the past few years, we have made rapid progress and, by 2022, I am confident the road would be completed in all respects.
(Source: The Hindu)
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