Doklam: Indian Soldiers Hold Militarily Advantageous Position, Ready To Step In If Required

Following withdrawal from Doklam, Indian soldiers have taken a militarily advantageous position at their post in Doka La and are ready to step in to counter Chinese adventurism if required, Times of India has reported.

The soldiers holding the ridge, the report says, continue to keep an eye on activity in the Doklam bowl – Bhutanese territory that China claims in entirety – hardly 500 metres away down the ridge slope.

"Our soldiers sit on the top, hold the ridge and can swiftly intervene, as they pro-actively did in mid-June, if the People's Liberation Army once again tries to unilaterally change the status quo by constructing a road near the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction," the daily quoted a source as saying.

However, reports suggest China has pulled back its construction team and equipment, although it may continue to patrol the region as it has for years.

“We have no problems with China sending patrols to the area, like it has been doing for years. While Chinese troops frequently patrol till the Torsa Nala, they even go up till the Bhutanese Army's Chela post once in three-four years," the source said, adding, “neither China, nor India wanted war”.

India’s objection was limited to Chinese road building activity, which would have lead to a change in states quo. According to the report, the defence establishment believes it has successfully deterred China from extending its motorable track towards the Jampheri (Zomplri) Ridge. A motorable road to this ridge would have degraded the advantages India enjoys in the Sikkim sector.