Govt: Status quo at Doklam persists

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 18

Within hours of satellite images emerging on China’s build-up in portions of the 89 sq km at Doklam plateau, the Ministry of External Affairs said “the status quo at the face-off site has not been altered”.

The MEA statement touches upon only the face-off site but does not deny if China has been building up within visible distance away from the face-off site.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day (June 16 to August 28) stand-off at Doklam that is disputed between Bhutan and China. New Delhi had stepped in at the behest of Thimpu to prevent China’s road-building activity at a portion of the plateau. “The government would once again reiterate that the status quo at the face-off site has not been altered. Any suggestion to the contrary is inaccurate and mischievous,” said MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar.

Media reports have shown satellite images showing how a massive troop build-up is taking place in Doklam area within visible distance from the face-off site and not even suggested any changes at the ‘face-off site’. The build-up is in the northern part of Doklam.

Is China planning another assault: Cong

• The Congress on Thursday said new media reports and satellite imagery had surfaced to indicate a high degree of Chinese military build-up at Doklam plateau few metres from the Indian Army post
• “The new images show concrete posts, seven helipads, new trenches and several dozen armoured vehicles close to the face-off point. There is at least one complete mechanised regiment and a strong possibility of another under camouflage nets. Is the Modi government aware of this presence?” Congress asked