India deploys more troops in mountainous terrains along border with China near Tibetan region in Arunachal

Following the Doklam face-off, India has increased deployment of more troops and patrolling has also been increased in the mountainous terrains of Dibang, Dau-Delai and Lohit valleys along the border with China in the Tibetan region in Arunachal sector.

In a TOI report published on March 31, 2018, quoted military officials as saying India is strengthening its surveillance mechanism to keep an eye on Chinese activities along the borders in the strategically sensitive Tibetan region and has even been regularly deploying choppers to carry out recce.

As per the report, the military officials also said that India has been focusing on dominating the treacherous terrains which include snow-clad mountains at an altitude of over 17,000 feet, and river passes, as part of a strategy to counter China’s rising assertiveness along the border in Dibang, Dau-Delai and Lohit valleys.

“Post Doklam, we have increased our activities manifold. We are fully prepared to deal with any challenge,” said an army officer posted in Kibithu, the eastern most village, on India’s border with Tibetan region, stated the report.

The Army has been enhancing its Long Range Patrols (LRPs) where troops in small groups go for patrols for 15-30 days as part of an overall approach to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Actual Control, the de-facto border between India and China, the TOI report stated quoting the Army official.

It may be mentioned that a 73-day standoff in Doklam continued June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese army and the face-off ended on August 28.

“We have increased our deployment of troops while focusing on all the strategically important areas including a tri-junction among India, China and Myanmar,” said the official who wished not to be quoted as he is not authorised to speak to the media, the report stated.

The official said China has been ramping up its infrastructure development along India’s border, particularly in the Tibetan region and there was a need for India to enhance its road network for quick movement of troops.

A senior official of the Border Roads Organisation, however, said a number of roads including one to connect the Dibang Valley with Lohit Valley in Arunachal Pradesh has been finalised to improve the inter-valley connectivity in the bordering State.