Chinese Presence Up in Doklam, Indian Army Sources Say 'Rotational Activity'

Beijing, July 29: Days after US Congresswoman Ann Wagner told a congressional hearing that Chinese troopers are escalating their presence in the tri-junction region of Doklam, fresh reports have confirmed that the number of PLA personnel present close to the disputed region has increased.

Nearly 700 additional Chinese troopers have been deployed near the Doka La (Doklam as India calls it) plateau. Indian Army sources, while speaking to HT, have denied assuming it as a threat. The officers who spoke to the English daily said it is a "rotational activity".

The Army personnel, on the condition of anonymity, said the Indian, Chinese and Bhutanese forces begin winter stocking in this part of the year. This involves rotation of the troops, with a section of the incumbent stationed personnel sent in low-lying areas and a new batch replacing them.

The incumbent personnel, however, accompany the new batch for a few days for training and logistical purpose, before moving out.

"Whenever there is a changeover of troops, the strength is temporarily doubled," explained one of the officers.

The official claimed that the People's Liberation Army of China interchange their troop each year at the Batang La-Meru La-Sincha La axis, which is part of the Doklam plateau.

Military activity in the Doklam region is keenly monitored as the trijunction area was the flashpoint of a 73-day standoff which erupted between Indian Army and PLA personnel last year.

The Chinese troopers had initiated road construction near the Torsa Nullah, which bisects Doklam. This was opposed by the Indian Army, leading to a tense 73-day military standoff in the region. The troops de-escalated after China agreed to abort the road construction project.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2018 10:17 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).