Chinese Troops Pack Their Bags, Return Home After Disengagement Process Begins, See Pics

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has removed many bunkers, temporary outposts, helipads and other structures from the northern banks. The Chinese military is gradually reducing the number of its troops in the area.

The withdrawal process of Indian and Chinese forces from the northern and southern sides of Pangong lake of eastern Ladakh is processing on as planned and the withdrawal process is expected to be completed in the next six to seven days.

Defense sources gave this information on Monday. Sources said that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has removed several bunkers, temporary posts and other structures from the northern fringes.

After a nine-month standoff, the forces of both countries agreed to withdraw from the north and south sides of Pangong Tso under which both sides are to withdraw forces from the front in a "phased, coordinated and verified" manner.

The Chinese military is gradually reducing the number of its troops in the area. China has also removed 80 meters of signage between Finger 4 and Finger 5.

Similar action will also be on the southern side of the lake. The Chinese army built several bunkers and other structures between 'Finger Four' and 'Finger Eight' last year and banned Indian troops from patrolling ahead of Finger Four, after which the Indian Army reacted strongly.

In the nine-round military talks, India specifically emphasized that the Chinese army moved between 'Finger Four' and 'Finger Eight' on the northern shore of Pangong Lake. The mountain spurs in the area are referred to as Fingers.

The withdrawal process began on 10 February. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh gave a detailed statement on the withdrawal agreement in Parliament on Thursday. Singh had said that according to the agreement China has to take troops to the eastern areas of 'Finger 8' on the northern side while the Indian Army will return to the permanent base at Dhan Singh Thapa Post near 'Finger 3' in the area.

The Chinese side is gradually reducing the number of its troops in the region. He said field commanders from both sides are meeting almost daily to carry forward the withdrawal process, which was finalized last week after nine rounds of high-level military talks.

The sources said following the completion of the disengagement process, the two sides will hold talks on the de-escalation exercise.?On Friday, the defence ministry said other outstanding "problems" including in Depsang, Hot Springs and Gogra will be taken up at the upcoming talks between military commanders of the two countries.