As China ramps up its military infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tibetan plateau, the Indian Army has increased its troop presence in Arunachal Pradesh and also enhanced surveillance by radars and other means to gain situational awareness.

These measures were taken after China deployed more troops and build additional facilities near Doklam which witnessed a faceoff between the armies of two nations for more than two months last year.

The stand-off started when the Indian Army objected to the Chinese effort to build a road in disputed region in Doklam. The road could have posed serious threat to strategic interests of India as it was just 50 kms from the Siliguri corridor connecting the entire North East with the country.

Giving details of the Indian preparedness, officials said on Saturday the Army is also strengthening its surveillance mechanism to keep an eye on Chinese activities along the borders in the strategically sensitive Tibetan region. The Army has also deployed helicopters for reconnaissance for real time assessment of Chinese preparations. They said the Army is spreading its presence in tough terrains which include snow-clad mountains at an altitude of over 17,000 feet, and river passes, as part of a strategy to counter China’s rising assertiveness along the border in Dibang, Dau-Delai and Lohit valleys besides Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh.

Also, officials said the Army has increased its activities post Doklam to deal with any challenge particularly in the Tibetan plateau region across Arunachal Pradesh.

China has vastly superior infrastructure there, including nearly 7,000 km of rail network connecting the region with the Chinese mainland. Moreover, China has built at least four airfields in the Tibetan plateau region besides having a network of all weather roads to sustain its troops posted on the LAC.

In an effort to counter the Chinese advantage in terms of better logistical support, the Indian Army has enhanced its Long Range Patrols (LRPs) where troops in small groups go for patrols for 15-30 days as part of an overall approach to maintain the sanctity of the LAC.

Moreover, the Army has also increased troops while focusing on all the strategically important areas, including a tri-junction among India, China and Myanmar.

Officials also said China has been ramping up its infrastructure development along India’s border, particularly in the Tibetan region and there was a need for India to enhance its road network for quick movements of troops.

The Indian Army uses a foot suspension bridge to carry its military supplies to its Kibithu post, considered very important from operational point of view, as the only road connecting the East bank of Lohit river with West bank remains closed due to landslides for most part of the year. Incidentally, Kibithu is the last village and post of Arunachal Pradesh near the LAC.

Courtesy: The Pioneer, Sunday, 01 April 2018 | PNS | New Delhi