Ladakhis nervous as India-China faceoff worsens

Srinagar: As the India-China faceoff in Ladakh worsens with every passing day, the administrations in Leh and Kargil are concerned and call for a de-escalation of tensions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Leading the charge is Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, which has called on both India and China to de-escalate and give peace a chance.

Tension has been rising on the LAC after the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China intruded into Pangong Tso Lake and the Galwan Valley along the LAC in Ladakh. Both countries have increased the troop presence in the area with the Chinese army provoking India by pitching tents.

Amid the rising tension, LAHDC, Leh, and Kargil, have urged both countries to solve the matter amicably and peacefully.

Chief Executive Councilor (CEC) of LAHDC, Leh, Gyal P Wangyal pitched for high-level talks to resolve the issue.

“India is equally a powerful country and capable to retaliate. But we are hopeful that tensions will be de-escalated. Nobody wants war. Peace is the key and we wish that both the countries resolve the matter amicably,” he said.

Another member of LAHDC, Leh, Mohammad Nassir said both the countries should solve the matter through diplomatic channels.

“People want the issue to be settled in a very peaceful manner. India is a huge market for China and they too might be affected economically in case there is a war-like situation,” he said.

LAHDC Kargil, which is almost 220 Kilometres away from Leh, expressed similar thoughts, and called for de-escalation.

Chairman LAHDC. Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan said the talks between two counties can help in restoring peace.

“Earlier too, the issues have been solved through talks. We wish the same model is adopted this time too,” he said.

Meanwhile, Indian Army Commanders’ Conference kicked off in New Delhi on Wednesday wherein discussion over China frontier in Sikkim, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh would be done at great length, news agency IANS reported.

Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane is presiding over the conference, IANS reported. The top commanders of the force are attending the meeting and all security issues, including the Chinese aggression in Ladakh will come up for discussion during it, said a senior Indian Army officer.