Buildup several times bigger than 1962 war

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 11

Even as diplomatic talks are on between India and China, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is currently witnessing its biggest-ever military buildup. In fact, this is several times bigger than the 1962 war.

Unlike 1962, the forces on either side are now backed by latest technology such as satellite imagery and UAVs besides long-range guns, contemporary fighter jets and radars.

The Indian assessment is clear — the Army stays at the LAC if People’s Liberation Army (PLA) doesn’t withdraw and restore status quo ante as on April. The cutoff date of status quo ante is April.

LAC resolution to be peaceful: India

India on Thursday said a series of diplomatic and military engagements with China have underlined the need to arrive at an early resolution of disputes on the LAC. In recent weeks, India and China have maintained communications through established diplomatic and military channels to address the situation in areas along the India-China border. tns

Over the past three decades, India has gradually built up troops and bases close to the 3,488-km LAC, allowing quick addition of soldiers and equipment. It is the PLA that has mobilised troops, guns, tanks, fighter jets at a rapid pace at its bases located across the Indian territory in HP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. India has reportedly moved its rear formations up the Himalayas. Some 1.50 lakh troops are mandated for the China front under normal circumstances. However, in emergencies, the numbers can be ramped up. The Army is 13 lakh strong.

In Ladakh, one half of the 14 Crops is mandated to face China. In Himachal and Uttarakhand, specific brigades exist. In Sikkim, the 33 Corps is positioned. Arunachal is divided among two Corps — the Tezpur-based 4 Corps that looks after the western part and the Dimapur-based 3 Corps. Besides, a division of the Mountain Strike Corps exists.

The IAF, besides the fighter jets, has special operations planes and heavy-lift aircraft apart from hundreds of helicopters to quickly move troops.

In the areas facing Sikkim, China has upgraded its facilities at Shigatse, to house greater number of fighter jets and attack platforms. Similarly, Chinese bases to the north and east of Arunachal Pradesh have facilities to launch attack platforms.

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