THE Indian Army began patrolling at Demchok on Friday, days after Indian and Chinese troops completed disengagement at the two friction points in eastern Ladakh, Army sources said. Patrolling at Depsang is expected to resume shortly, they said. Indian and Chinese troops have completed disengagement at two friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh and patrolling is set to commence soon at these points, Army sources had said on Wednesday. The following day, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets at several border points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the occasion of Diwali. The traditional practice was observed a day after both the countries completed troop disengagement at the two friction points, bringing a fresh thaw in Sino-Indian ties. Patrolling has begun at Demchok, an Army source said. Sources had earlier said that the areas and patrolling status were expected to be moved back to pre-April 2020 level.

 

The verification process after disengagement was in progress and patrolling modalities were to be decided between ground commanders, the sources had said on Wednesday. “Talks will continue at the local commander level,” they had added. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on October 21 said in Delhi that an agreement was finalised between India and China following negotiations over the past several weeks and that it would lead to a resolution of the issues that arose in 2020. The agreement was firmed up on patrolling and disengagement of troops along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, a breakthrough to end the over four-year stand-off. The move marks a significant development in the pursuit of reduced tension along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades. The ties between the two Asian giants had nosedived following the clash. 

 

 

INDIAN and Pakistani troops posted on the border exchanged sweets on the occasion of Diwali near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, continuing the tradition of greeting each other on the festival and displaying the flag of peace, an official said on Friday. Border Security Force officials gave sweets to Pakistani Rangers and the Pakistan Ranger also greeted them by saying “Happy Diwali” and offering sweets. The exchange of sweets and greeting took place near the Zero line, said the official. The BSF jawans posted in the desert area under the Rajasthan Frontier celebrated the festival of lights by giving the message of unity and security to the countrymen and lighted diyas at forward posts of the border and distributing sweets. Women jawans also made rangoli, adding to the celebratory Diwali atmosphere on the border. In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had celebrated Diwali with soldiers here. He flew to Longewala Post in Rajasthan and rode on a tank during his visit. PM Modi continued his tradition of celebrating Diwali with the Indian Armed Forces this year as well and spent time with soldiers at Lakki Nala in Gujarat’s Sir Creek on Thursday. Extending his wishes, he lauded the commitment and dedication of soldiers stationed at the challenging border area. “On this sacred land near Sir Creek, it is my privilege to celebrate Diwali with you. When I celebrate with you, the joy of Diwali multiplies. This Diwali is special as Lord Ram has finally returned to his temple in Ayodhya,” he said, noting the symbolism of this year’s festival. PM Modi also expressed his gratitude on behalf of India’s 140 crore citizens, recognising the courage of the soldiers defending the nation in extreme conditions. “You serve in regions where temperatures drop below zero in the mountains and where searing heat and desert storms test your resilience. Your dedication shines like steel, intimidating any enemy who attempts to challenge us,” he said.