China to draw a new LAC along the border?

In a region where geopolitical tensions run deep, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China has been a perennial flashpoint. This elusive boundary, marked by shifting perceptions and unverified claims, has been the stage for recent clashes that left 20 Indian soldiers martyred and 72 injured, all without a single shot fired from either side. This article delves into the intricate history of this border dispute and its contemporary implications.

Source- The print.in

 

LAC: The Birth of a Perennial Conflict

To understand the roots of this ongoing standoff, we must turn back the pages of history, particularly to the year 1993. Before the Sino-Indian war of 1962, there was no defined border with China; it was a mere frontier. In 1959 and 1960, Zhou Enlai, a Chinese diplomat, proposed a compromise to settle the boundary question - China would accept India's claim in the Eastern sector in exchange for India recognizing China's claim in the Western sector. However, India's then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, declared openness to minor sector-wise territorial adjustments but dismissed any 'package' deals.

The situation took a more complex turn in 1993 when Prime Minister Narasimha Rao's visit complicated the border resolution. Rao reverted to Nehru's approach of minor territorial adjustments, prompting China to propose that the entire border be termed the "Line of Actual Control" (LAC), without altering the border positions of both sides. This marked the birth of the term "LAC" and set the stage for future disputes. 

Recent Conflict: A Spark in the Powder Keg

The most recent escalation occurred on May 5, 2020, when the People's Liberation Army (PLA) intruded into Indian territory, notably in the Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso. Talks held on June 6 failed to yield results, culminating in a violent face-off on June 15, during which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives, and 72 were injured. The PLA did not disclose its casualties, while Indian media estimated around 40 PLA soldiers were killed. This incident triggered heightened tensions along the LAC, prompting high-level dialogues and military buildups on both sides.

Subsequent talks between military officials from both countries occurred, with China accusing India of aggression, despite evidence pointing in the opposite direction. Satellite imagery suggested that China had not entirely disengaged from the region.

The Political Quandary

The political arena also played a significant role in exacerbating tensions. On June 3, India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, confirmed the presence of a 'sizeable' number of PLA troops in Ladakh. This marked the first official admission by the Indian government of Chinese incursions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an all-party meeting on June 19, initially stated that no territory had been intruded upon, a statement later clarified by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Amidst the political wrangling, on August 6, a document acknowledging Chinese intrusions in Ladakh was mysteriously deleted from the Ministry of Defence's website. This document hinted that the standoff was likely to be protracted.

The deleted document from MoD website

The intractable LAC

The core of this standoff lies in the nature of the LAC itself. Unlike a conventional disputed border, the LAC is a military-held line that can be altered through force and military coercion. China's recent actions have pushed it further into Indian territory, creating a situation where, if they decide to withdraw, a buffer zone will be established, potentially favoring China.

In essence, the border tensions between India and China continue to simmer, fueled by historical disagreements, political rhetoric, and the elusive nature of the LAC. The recent casualties serve as a stark reminder of the fragile peace that hangs in the balance along this contentious frontier.