India, China Agree to Disengage, Say Sources

Foreign Affairs
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New Delhi: Almost after a marathon 11 hours of talks at the Corps Commander level between India and China that finished on June 22 night, sources have said “there was a mutual consensus to disengage”.

The day-long talks which started at 11.30 am on June 22 and ended late night was cordial and held in a positive and constructive atmosphere.

“The talks between the top military officials of both sides were focused on modalities for disengagement from all friction areas in Eastern Ladakh,” sources added.

In the second meeting between the top military officers which took place at Chushul-Moldo, both sides talked about resolving the border issue and easing of tension in Eastern Ladakh. The first meeting had taken place on June 6, with a similar agenda—defusing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

On June 22 morning accompanied by more officers, 14 Corps commander Lieutenant General Harinder Singh and South Xinjiang Military District chief Major General Liu Lin had a meeting which was on the lines of the Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) held earlier this month at Chushul-Moldo.

Also, there has been a Major General level dialogue which had lasted for three days after the Chinese attack on the Indian personnel in the Galwan Valley at the Patrolling Point 14 (PP 14) on June 15. India lost 20 soldiers, and casualties were reported on Chinese side as well.

With regard to the clashes which took place between June 15-16 night, sources say that Major General Abhijit Bapat, who is the Commander of the Leh-based 3 Infantry Division of the Indian Army, had raised several points with the Chinese.

These clashes between the troops of India and China had happened at the South bank of Galwan River and this river flows in the east-west direction before its convergence with Shyok River.