NEW DELHI: Both India and China have started the exercise to withdraw troops from Depsang and Demchok—the standoff point– in Eastern Ladakh.
The troops have moved away from the points near the Y-Junction in Depsang and Charding Nullah Junction in Demchok.
However, official sources said that the troops remain in the vicinity as they are treading cautiously. Also there is no real change in the troop deployment in the area and the infrastructure remains the same as only the temporary structures such as tents and shades have been dismantled.
On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said that a broad consensus has been achieved, which includes patrolling and grazing in traditional areas.
While the grazing grounds are only towards Demchok with the nullah in the vicinity, the landform is rugged and rocky towards Depsang, where there are significant patrolling points. The strategic importance of Depsang is underscored by its proximity to the Y Junction, which is just 20 km from Daulat Beg Oldi airfield.
