Amid India-China stand-off in Ladakh, three mobile towers have been reportedly come up very close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Hot Springs area on the Chinese side. Konchok Stanzin, Chushul Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), said only one out of the 12 villages in his constituency had a 4G mobile tower whereas the Chinese had installed three near the LAC in an uninhabited area.

He said the locals had appealed to the UT and the Central Government time and again to provide proper 4G coverage at least in the areas close to the LAC. “Chinese installed these towers sometime ago but I saw them recently when these became visible from our side of the border,” Stanzin said.

China has been building its infrastructure at a rapid pace even in the areas where both the countries have witnessed friction recently. In January this year, Beijing constructed a bridge on the Pangong Tso lake. As per reports, the bridge has been constructed in Eastern Ladakh connecting northern and southern parts of the lake that can help in quick mobilisation of troops.

Konchok said the mobile towers could be used to keep an eye on the military movement on this side of the LAC. There are apprehensions that China may be planning to set up a village close to the LAC like it has done in the past in other disputed areas.

Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur had recently impressed upon optical-fiber cable-based internet connectivity in all villages of Ladakh, especially in the far flung areas. He had said all help would be provided to telecom firms to complete the task.

Beijing’s rapid infra development

• China has been developing infrastructure along the border. In January this year, Beijing constructed a bridge on Pangong Tso lake.
• As per reports, the bridge connects northern and southern parts of the lake and can help in quick mobilisation of troops.

Courtesy: The Tribune India: 18th April , 2022