Experts say that the terrain on the Indian side is relatively difficult. However, India has managed to secure convenient access to most of its typical hotspots and has deployed its forces as needed. (Representative photo/News18)
Recent reports have highlighted the establishment of a new PLA camp near Niti Pass, a development confirmed by Defense Ministry sources to CNN-News18. Construction of a new link road, along with several heliports, has been observed in areas along the border.
Following its rapprochement and activities in the western and eastern sectors, China has been building infrastructure and connectivity in the middle sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This is worrying, especially as efforts to restore pre-Galwan confrontation positions in the eastern Ladakh area have been unsuccessful. Recent reports have highlighted the establishment of a new PLA camp near Niti Pass, a development confirmed by Defense Ministry sources to CNN-News18.
Construction of a new link road, along with several heliports, has been observed in areas along the border. These are significant developments, some located near Niti Pass, an important strategic pass for India in Uttarakhand.
According to the sources, China is focusing on improving air connectivity and access roads in the region. New helipads have been spotted at Sarang, Poling and Jindu.
“The LAC roster has been more aggressively challenged of late. China has already transgressed in multiple places in eastern Ladakh, a situation that has persisted for more than three years. This was unexpected in eastern Ladakh, considering that it is already under the adverse possession of the large Indian territory of Aksai Chin. However, it has happened. Similarly, it may surprise India in the middle sector, an area we have seen as less disputed,” said Maj Gen (Dr) Ashok Kumar, VSM (Retd), a Kargil war veteran and defense and strategic analyst.
China already enjoys a positive infrastructure gradient in the middle sector, especially in the Uttarakhand area, he added. “Recently, it has been bolstering its military infrastructure, further improving its combat capability. You have to take note of this development, ”he said.
The middle sector of LAC includes the borders of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It has four important valleys. By comparison, about 545 km of the total 3,488 km of LAC is still considered a peaceful sector.
Experts say that LAC, according to China, is largely co-terminal with the international border except for Barahoti (called Wu-je by China), just south of the Tunjun-La pass in Uttarakhand and a few other pockets in Spiti, Shipki , Nilang-Jadhang, Lapthal and Sangchamalla. Even in this area, there has been a changing stand on the Chinese side.
Experts say that the terrain on the Indian side is relatively difficult. However, India has managed to secure convenient access to most of its typical hotspots and has deployed its forces as needed. But, the challenges in border areas are never limited to deployment.
Advocacy sources say that they not only connect highways or base camps, China has also been developing LAC-close villages in the middle sector. It has been featured many times in recent years.
“India needs to enhance its military potential along with infrastructure development, or else China may try to create more adverse conditions as our core targets are much closer compared to those on the Chinese side,” recommends Maj Gen (Dr) Ashok Kumar (Retired).
Advocacy sources, however, say: “The Indian side is not an inch behind on the approach to the border. Deployment and activities are reviewed and modified as required.”
