India, China disengage in Gogra; all temporary structures dismantled

TIL Desk/National/New Delhi/ After nearly 15 months of face-off, the Indian and Chinese armies have completed the disengagement process and restored the pre-standoff ground position in Gogra in eastern Ladakh, in a significant forward movement towards restoration of peace and tranquillity in the region.

Announcing the development, the Indian Army said on Friday that the disengagement process was carried out on August 4 and 5 and all temporary structures as well as other allied infrastructure created by both sides have been dismantled and mutually verified subsequently.

The disengagement in the area around Gogra or Patrolling Point-17A (PP-17A) came over five months after the two sides withdrew their troops and weapons from the North and South banks of Pangong Lake areas.

The Army said the disengagement process at PP-17A was carried out in line with the outcome of the 12th round of military talks that had taken place on July 31 at Chushul-Moldo meeting point in eastern Ladakh. People familiar with the development said a buffer zone has been created and no patrolling will take place in the area, adding the focus in the next round of military talks will be on the Hot Springs area.