Buffer zone dynamics

*A 3-km buffer zone is being worked out along the LAC at Galwan, Hot Springs and Pangong Tso in Ladakh.

*India, China have mutually agreed to pull back troops by 1.5 km on each side.

*For now, no patrolling will be done by either army in the buffer zone.

*As per existing agreement, patrolling will be allowed to both sides once the 3-step disengagement process is complete, which may take months.

*An ideal situation will be to have a buffer zone as per April 2020 status.

*During 2014 standoff at Chumur in south-eastern Ladakh, a no-patrolling zone was temporarily created to reduce friction.