The Indian Army has firmly denied recent media reports suggesting that the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near eastern Ladakh has hit a roadblock. The reports claimed that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) raised objections to Indian patrols, leading to disruptions.
In response, the Indian Army dismissed such reports as “fictional and fact less,” stating that disengagement efforts are progressing smoothly without any hindrances. “There is no obstruction or objection of any kind regarding disengagement and patrolling from both sides (India and China),” the Army clarified. The military’s statement underscored that troop withdrawal in the contested Depsang and Demchok areas has been completed, and the implementation of the disengagement agreement is proceeding as planned.
The Army also called on media organizations to exercise caution when reporting on such sensitive issues. “The concerned media houses are requested to verify and authenticate the facts before publishing such sensitive articles,” the statement added, emphasizing the importance of editorial discretion to avoid the spread of misleading information.
On November 4, the Indian Army conducted a patrol in the Depsang area, following an earlier patrol in Demchok on October 1. Although China had agreed to the disengagement terms on October 21, it has yet to issue a response regarding the patrolling activities.
During a weekly press briefing on Thursday (Nov 7, 2024), official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal supported the Army’s clarification, stating, “Regarding patrol access, we have previously mentioned that patrolling in both Demchok and Depsang has resumed in all areas according to the agreement. There were some reports suggesting that there were obstacles, but those reports are not accurate.” Jaiswal added, “A clarification on this has also been provided by the military. Those reports are not correct.”
This coordinated response from the Indian Army and the MEA highlights their commitment to maintaining transparency and reinforcing public confidence in the ongoing disengagement process. Despite media claims, the situation at the LAC remains under control, adhering to the established agreements between India and China.