Sikkim standoff: Army readies for a long haul
India has begun consolidating its position for a “long haul” by pitching tents and getting additional troops and supplies at the standoff point with Chinese troops in Doklam area near the Bhutan tri-junction.
Indications are clear that Indian troops will not back off till there is a diplomatic solution. The month-long confrontation — being seen as the longest since 1962 — near Sikkim began following China’s efforts to build a road in the strategically important Dokalam area in Bhutan referred to as Donglong by the Chinese.
The area is disputed between China and Bhutan and is close to the strategic Chumbi Valley in Chinese control at the tri-junction bordering the three countries.
The Indian Army is resisting China’s efforts to build the road in the area as it will get them close to the Siliguri corridor that connects to the northeast and gives China a military advantage over India.
China has been aggressively blaming India for the current situation, asserting that it was not ready for any “compromise” and that the “ball is in India’s court.”
Chinese state media said on Sunday that India has, through its actions, exposed itself to Beijing’s interference in Jammu and Kashmir. If Pakistan requests, “a third country” can rush …read more