800-900 Chinese troops continue to be positioned short of Doklam despite winter: Sources

These troops are positioned in Chinese territory. Doklam is the site of last year's months-long stand-off between the Indian and Chinese armies.

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800-900 Chinese troops continue to be positioned short of Doklam despite winter: Sources
Soldiers carry a Chinese Communist Party flag and Chinese national flags (Photo for representation: Reuters)

In Short

  • Earlier, 1,300 troops had been positioned: Sources
  • The numbers have now decreased: Sources
  • 250-300 Chinese soldiers moved back to garrison town 12 km from Doklam: Sources

Around 800 to 900 troops of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) continue to be positioned short of the Doklam plateau, top sources have told India Today. Doklam is a territory claimed by both Bhutan and China, and the site of last year's months-long stand-off between the Indian and Chinese armies.

The PLA troops, however, are positioned in Chinese territory. Earlier, 1,300 troops had been positioned, but the numbers have "decreased," sources said.

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They added that at least 250-300 Chinese PLA soldiers have have moved back Ya-tunj or Yadong - a garrison town of the PLA located around 12 km from the disputed site.

The Chinese troops are housed in prefabricated structures that were built during the Doklam stand-off. India or Bhutan can do little because they're in Chinese territory.

Traditionally, Chinese troops never hold positions or camp-out in winter. "The Chinese are not known to hold ground, they generally withdraw. But this time around they have decided to stay back," sources said.

HARSH WINTERS

Initially, New Delhi was of the view that the troops would fall back to their garrisons with the onset of winters.

Winters are extremely harsh in the Doklam Plateau. Temperatures dip to -20 degrees Celsius. Snow, and sharp winds blowing through the Chumbi valley, further exacerbate the situation.

Unlike the Indian Army, which physically holds almost every mountain-top and ride line along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Chinese PLA are positioned deep inside their territory. China has better border infrastructure - roads and bridges - allowing them to mobilise quickly.

Chief of Army of Staff General Bipin Rawat said Monday said that there had been a "major reduction" in Chinese troops at the Doklam plateau. Reacting to General Bipin Rawat's statement, China said today that troops will continue to patrol Doklam area.

STAND-OFF

The Doklam stand-off began in the second week of June, and ended on August 28. Both India and China decided to withdraw their troops after hectic back-room negotiations, which started with Prime Minister Modi's initiative in Hamburg during the G-20 summit.

China adhered to the agreement and pulled back its troops from the disputed area, but troops continue to be "positioned short of the plateau in their territory," sources said.

In contrast, India has at least 3 Divisions - about 30,000 to 40,000 troops - positioned in the sector.

Importantly, the terrain favours India.

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