India-China mutually consent to disengage after top-level military talks

Guwahati: Amid heightened tensions at the border since May 5 of this year, top military officials from India and China sat down for talks over their points of conflict, and consented to mutually disengage, army sources said today.

Lieutenant general-level talks were held at Moldo on the Chinese side of Chushul. Army sources said that the talks were held "in a cordial, positive and constructive atmosphere", adding that the details for disengagement from all friction areas in eastern Ladakh were discussed and will reportedly be taken forward by both sides.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zgao Lijian has been quoted as saying by a news agency that both sides have not agreed to taken necessary measures to allow the situation to cool off.

It needs mention here that a similar high-level meeting was held on June 6, where in both the countries had agreed to pull back their troops to de-escalate tensions at the disputed territory. China had pulled back its troops, followed by India.

However, days later, as many as 20 Indian jawans were killed at the hands of the Chinese when a clash erupted over the Indian side's refusal to remove a tent. The Indian soldiers were reportedly attacked with prehistoric weapons such as clubs fitted with nails. Army sources said 45 Chinese soldiers were killed or injured in the brawl along Galwan River in the eastern Ladakh region.

Taking cognizance of the situation, India has decided to change the rules for engagement at the border. Field commanders at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are now empowered to sanction the use of firearms under ''extraordinary circumstances."

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