Now China is increasing the presence of soldiers near the Himachal border

Shimla: After Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, now China is continuously increasing its military presence on the Himachal border as well. Along with expediting the construction of roads, bridges and helipads in the 240-km stretch of Line of Actual Control adjoining Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal, it is increasing military presence.

In its report to Himachal Pradesh Governor Rajendra Arlekar, the state police has cited Chinese military build-up and rapid construction of infrastructure along nine passes along the LAC in two remote districts. Himachal Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu has told that during the last one year, China has increased the presence of the army. It has improved its infrastructure and surveillance capability along the border with Himachal Pradesh.

According to the Hindustan Times report, China is building a new road in the Churup area on the northern bank of the Parechu river. China is also working fast in the villages of Shaktot, Churup and Dunmur in the border area. Along with new buildings, China is also installing high-quality surveillance equipment in these villages.

According to the report, China is speeding up the construction work near its permanent base in Rando village near the Lapcha pass between Manja and Shangrangla. Movement of heavy machinery and vehicles has been reported in this area. The Chinese military is building a home for soldiers near Lapcha. Along with this, construction material has also been deposited in the village of Kuk.

The border of Himachal Pradesh remained calm even during the 1962 war, but in recent times, the Chinese army has intensified activities in the area. The Chinese Air Force has also crossed the Indian airspace several times. Helicopter incursions were reported twice last year in the sensitive Kaurik sector of Kinnaur. Chinese marks were found on rocks near a village in Spiti. Patrols have also found beer bottles and energy drinks left behind by Chinese soldiers within a kilometer of Indian territory.

China has built a 5 kilometer long road in Ri village near the Kyorbrang Pass. China has widened the road connecting Shiul to Khemkul near Khemkur Pass. A road is also being built on the Ghugrang pass.

The Indian Army had in September traced a team of eight Chinese soldiers to the Gunrang Pass in Kinnaur where soldiers from both sides raised slogans of go back.

Last year, Himachal Pradesh Police Chief Kundu had sent five teams to assess the situation on the border. This team recommended the Himachal Pradesh government to develop a strong communication system. The team also advised the creation of an airstrip in the Spiti Valley, deployment of battalions of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti Scouts in the border areas. An appeal was made to the government to prepare an evacuation plan in case of emergency.