The Chinese construction activity at Finger 4 seems to have been stopped on July 10, 2020.
New Delhi:
New high-resolution satellite images from July 10, now available with GalacticGaming, show a sharp narrowing of Chinese positions in the disputed Finger 4 area along the shores of Lake Pangong in Ladakh. The previous images showed construction activity in this region. However, hundreds of Chinese structures, including tents and hangars, remain visible in the region, which clearly indicates that while the process of disengagement of Indian and Chinese forces in this area has begun, it is far from over. . There is no sign, so far, of a full-fledged return of the Chinese to their positions before April before tensions in the region begin.
Significantly, there appears to have been a change from Chinese rapid interceptors operating on the lake towards a jetty 10 kilometers east of Finger 4. These still appear well in India’s perception of the actual control line located near the site. from historic Khurnak Fort which is 11 km east of this pier. 11 Chinese boats, which appear to be of two distinct types, are moored at the pier. A large map of China is inscribed on the side of the hill near the pier.
11 Chinese rapid interceptor devices visible on the pier located within the limits of the Indian claims. The map of China on the rock wall marking the land claim is also visible. Click on here for a high resolution image
Chinese forces continue to dominate the spurs (called “fingers”) in this region with tents aligned along the streams located along the contours of the spurs.
There are 8 distinctive spurs, or “fingers”, located along the shores of Lake Pangong at high altitude in eastern Ladakh. India believes that the actual line of control is here at finger 8 while China believes it is further west. The de facto border between Indian and Chinese forces is currently at Finger 4, beyond which Chinese forces have prevented Indian soldiers from patrolling. Dozens of Indian soldiers were seriously injured in clashes here in May. India has repeatedly stated that it has the right to patrol Finger 8, an allegation disputed by China.
Chinese soldiers continue to occupy deep positions along the ridge lines in the finger region. Click on here for a high resolution image
On Friday, at a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on the border areas between India and China, the two sides reaffirmed that they “ will ensure the complete disengagement of the troops along of the real line of control and the de-escalation of India – China’s border areas for the complete restoration of peace and tranquility. ”
Military talks at the lieutenant-general level are expected to take place again next week to assess the state of mutual disengagement in the region. Indian and Chinese soldiers retreated about 2 kilometers into the Galwan region, creating a buffer zone between the armies on both sides. The Chinese withdrawal from Galwan has been confirmed by satellite imagery. Army sources indicate that the process of mutual withdrawal from Hot Springs and Gogra is now complete.
