Tensions Along LAC and LoC

Context

The LAC has been the site of rising tensions between India and China, particularly since April 2020. General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Indian Army, mentioned that although there is a “degree of standoff” along the LAC, the situation is “sensitive but stable”. His statements shed light on the evolving military dynamics, specifically concerning ongoing border standoffs, engagements, and security concerns at multiple points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC).

Important Locations

Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck): The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow land passage that connects the northeastern states of India to the rest of the country. Despite its perceived vulnerability, it is actually India’s strongest strategic point.
Doklam: Doklam is a tri-junction area near Bhutan, where India, China, and Bhutan meet. China’s construction of infrastructure in the region has been a matter of concern for India, as it brings the two nations into closer proximity.
Depsang Plains: The Depsang Plains are located close to the strategically important Daulat Beg Oldie.
- The crucial Sub-Sector North (SSN) consists of the Depsang plains and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO). Currently, the airfield at DBO is accessible by the 255 km-long Darbuk-Shyok-DBO (DSDBO) road.
- Depsang is also close to the Karakoram passoverlooking the strategic Saltoro ridge and Siachen glacier, the world’s highest battlefield.
- The Depsang Plains issue began in 2013 when China carried out an 18-km incursion in the area.
Demchok: Demchok is in the southern part of eastern Ladakh. In Demchok, the problem is mainly at the Charding Ninglung Nullah (CNN) junction.

Fact Box:

What is LAC?

The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the de facto border between India and China, extending approximately 4,057 km. It separates the Indian-controlled territories in Jammu and Kashmir from the Chinese-occupied region of Aksai Chin.
The LAC runs through several regions, including Ladakh, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Historically, the LAC emerged from the 1962 India-China war, when both nations' troops were positioned at this line.
Over time, it has become a recognized boundary through agreements made in 1993 and 1996, emphasizing that neither side should advance beyond it.
However, due to the lack of a clear demarcation, encounters between Indian and Chinese troops frequently occur.

What is LOC?

In contrast, the Line of Control (LOC) is a military control line between India and Pakistan, spanning about 740 km.
It divides Jammu and Kashmir into parts controlled by India and Pakistan, and it was established after the first Indo-Pakistani war in 1947.
Unlike the LAC, the LOC is well-defined, with Indian and Pakistani forces stationed face-to-face along the line, leading to frequent skirmishes.

Key Differences

Buffer Zone: The LAC typically has a buffer zone where both sides patrol without direct contact, while the LOC is characterized by constant military presence and confrontation.
Nature of Control: The LAC results from historical conflict and lacks clear demarcation, while the LOC is a clearly defined boundary established after wars and agreements.