India, China again edgy over Burtse in northern Ladakh

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 12

In what are fresh tensions between India and China, troops of the People Liberation Army (PLA) and the Indian Army are building up near Burtse in northern Ladakh.

The PLA was building a watch tower in the area to which the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police objected. The PLA rejected the assertion and the Indian Army in response has dispatched reinforcements to the spot as it senses PLA of ramping up, top sources told The Tribune today.  

Though it’s not being termed as a face-off, sources said it could be a flashpoint as the watch tower is very close what is called the ‘border patrolling line’ — a way to address areas where even the alignment of un-demarcated LAC is disputed. The LAC alignment is roughly accepted by both sides in Lakakh but some pockets remain where the ‘border patrolling line’ is the accepted principle.

This is an informal un-demarcated line and troops on either side patrol in areas which they perceive as their own. The border patrolling line is the farthest point to which military patrols come from the Chinese side. On coming face-to-face troops of either side withdraw as per laid down protocol.  

The area lies east of the Daulat Beg Oldie and is a trekking route at an altitude of 17,000 feet and the LAC alignment is under dispute.

The Burtse area, being adjacent to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), forms part of huge Depsang plains perceived by India as its own territory. However, the Chinese side has been claiming it to be part of their territory as it gives them a tactical edge over the area, including the air field which was operationalised by the Indian Air Force (IAF) a few years ago.

This area was in news in April 2013 when a 21-day standoff between troops of either side ended after four flag meetings between the two sides. Then the PLA had pitched five tents in the area and claimed that it was a part of their territory.