Chinese PLA Sets Up Tents On Buffer Zone, Being Removed After Indian Army Objects: Ladakh Councillor

LEH: According to Konchok Stanzin, the councillor from Ladakh’s Chushul, local residents have informed him that three tents pitched by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on the buffer zone were removed following an objection from the Indian Army.

A fourth tent set up in the same location is being removed by the Chinese troops, councillor Stanzin added.

As per media reports, the incident occurred in the Table Top area of Gurung Hills in eastern Ladakh. The four tents were set up on the buffer zone in eastern Ladakh’s Chushul two days ago, Konchok Stanzin said quoting villagers in the area.

“PLA pitched four tents just below Table Top mountain in Chushul two days back. The area falls under a buffer zone. Then how did those tents come up? It is a complete violation of the disengagement agreement. Isn’t it a matter of concern?” he tweeted.

As per the villager source, PLA tented 4 tents just below Table Top Mountain #Chushul two days back and vacated today. This area falls under the buffer zone. Then how did those tents come up? It's a complete violation of the disengagement agreement. Isn't it a matter of concern?

— Konchok Stanzin (@kstanzinladakh) July 12, 2023

The buffer zones were created in five areas including Galwan, north and south bank of Pangong Tso, PP-17 A and most recent-PP 15 after several rounds of talks between the two armies.

These are the areas that were regularly patrolled by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army before April 2020 when China started amassing troops close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).