‘no-patrol’ zones in eastern Ladakh

Context

Indian and Chinese troops are disengaging from the Patrolling Point (PP) 17A near Gogra Post, following a template for the disengagements from many previous points since last year.

What is a no-patrolling zone?

• This is a zone in which troops from both sides are not allowed for a certain length of time.
• The area becomes a zone where neither of the sides is allowed to patrol.
• The no-patrolling zone between India and China can be traced back to the border war of 1962 when China declared a unilateral ceasefire and pulled its troops back 20 km from the perceived location of LAC in 1959.
• More recently, the ‘no Patrol’ concept was used by India in 2013, to end the Depsang standoff.
• Patrolling was suspended temporarily in 2014 as well, in Chumar, to resolve another standoff.
• The suspension of patrolling is not permanent, patrolling from both sides has been suspended till the standoff throughout eastern Ladakh is resolved.

Patrolling points for India on LAC

• The China Study Group (CSG), a secretary-level official group decides the patrolling points for India.
• This is the sole adviser to the central government on matters related to China.
• It was established in 1975.
• There are over 60 patrolling points in eastern Ladakh.
• At all places barring the Depsang Plains, the patrolling points are on the LAC.
• Disputed patrolling regions: Demchok and Trig Heights, 10 other points in eastern Ladakh where the two countries have a differing perception of the LAC and five friction points came up last year: PP14 (Galwan), PP15 (Hot Springs), PP17A (Gogra Post), Rezang La, and Rechin La.