New Delhi: A ‘Joint Statement’ issued by the Ministry of Defence said on 8th September 2022, "According to the consensus reached in the 16th round of India China Corps Commander Level Meeting, the Indian and Chinese troops in the area of Gogra-Hot springs (PP-15) have begun to disengage in a coordinated and planned way, which is conducive to the peace and tranquility in the border areas,” . In this, the process of withdrawal of forces started on 8 September 2022 and it completely ended on 13 September.
Two satellite images of before and after retreat have now been released. In this September 12, 2020 picture, a large military base of the Chinese Army is seen in an area patrolled by the Indian Army near the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. This building has all the facilities for fighting. Troops were deployed near the building, which is surrounded by moats. Moreover, cannons can be seen which are set up for attack and defense in the image.
While in the latest satellite image taken on September 15 shows this very large Chinese establishment here has been completely removed. The building has been demolished and moved to another location three kilometers to the north from the place where China invaded earlier. This is under the consent, both armies cannot patrol in this area.
In 2020, there was a rift in the relationship between the two countries after the Chinese army set up a base near the area where the Indian Army was patrolling by crossing the Line of Actual Control. After the negotiations, China prepared to withdraw. But it is estimated that the military base has been set up within three kilometers to create provocation.
Local councilors in Ladakh say that under the agreement, the Indian Army has removed two of its posts within Indian territory as well. However, Indian Army officials have not confirmed this.
Councilor of Chushul area of Ladakh Konchok Stanzin told NDTV that our soldiers have retreated not only from Petrol Point 15 (PP-15) but also from Petrol Point 16 (PP-16). Here our soldiers used to patrol for the last 50 years. Meanwhile, efforts are on to resolve the standoff in Demchok and Depsang areas.
There was speculation that talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping could take place at the SCO summit in Uzbekistan, which was held after the military withdrawal was completed on September 12. But in the first summit after the 2020 Galvan encounter, the two met but did not shake hands or hold official-unofficial talks.