INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said both sides should refrain from taking any actions that may lead to an
escalation in the situation, and focus on easing tensions in the friction areas
Representational
AP
New Delhi: India on Thursday said China should take forward the process for complete disengagement of troops from all
friction points including the Pangong lake area in eastern Ladakh, and asked it not to make unilateral attempts to change the status quo
along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said both sides should
focus on easing tensions in the friction areas by refraining from any actions that may lead to an escalation in the situation.There have
been at least three attempts by the Chinese People's Liberation Army(PLA) to "intimidate" Indian troops along the northern and southern
bank of Pangong lake area in the last three weeks where even shots were fired in the air for the first time at the LAC in 45 years."The
Chinese side should sincerely work with the Indian side for complete disengagement at the earliest from all friction areas including Pangong
Lake as well as de-escalation in border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols on the maintenance of peace and
tranquility in border areas," Srivastava said.The assertion by Srivastava came in the backdrop of remarks by the Chinese foreign ministry on
Wednesday that it was for India to initiate the process to disengage and restore peace along with the border areas."We hope the Chinese side
will strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control and not make further attempts to unilaterally change the status quo," said
Srivastava.The MEA spokesperson also referred to the "consensus" arrived at separate meetings between defense ministers and foreign
ministers of the two countries in Moscow on 4 September and 10 September respectively."There was consensus between the ministers of the two
sides, during both the meetings, that there should be quick and complete disengagement of troops from all friction areas along the LAC,"
Srivastava said."Both sides should, therefore, focus on easing tensions in the friction areas by refraining from any actions that may lead
to an escalation in the situation
This requires strict adherence to the bilateral agreements and protocols and not making unilateral attempts to change the status quo," he
added.The MEA spokesperson also referred to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's comments on the border standoff in Parliament on Wednesday
and Thursday, saying he has categorically stated that India is committed to peaceful dialogue with the Chinese side, including through
diplomatic and military channels.Both sides reached a five-point agreement to resolve the border row at a meeting between External Affairs S
Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on 10 September on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) meet in
Moscow.The agreement included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all
agreements and protocols on border management, and steps to restore peace along the LAC.Tension in eastern Ladakh increased manifold
following the Galwan Valley clashes on 15 June in which 20 Indian Army soldiers were killed
The Chinese side too suffered casualties, but it is yet to give out the details.The situation deteriorated again after China unsuccessfully
number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region
to thwart any Chinese actions
China has been occupying the areas between Finger 4 and Finger 8
The mountain spurs in the area are called Fingers.China has strongly objected to India's move
However, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC.India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the
sensitive region following China's transgression attempts.Following China's fresh attempts to change the status quo in the southern bank
of Pangong lake, India has further bolstered its military presence in the region.Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on
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