Delhi; 26 June 2020 (UMMN): Contrary to PM Modi’s statement that “No one entered our territory, not an inch of land lost”, Lt Gen Hooda says PLA has already forced a change in LAC in the recent border face off.
In an interview with Deccan Herald Hooda said “PLA has already forced a change in the LAC on the northern bank of the Pangong Tso. Chinese soldiers are currently in physical occupation of areas along with their perception of the LAC and have constructed numerous posts.”
Lt Gen Deependra Singh Hooda is a former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Northern Command. In an interview with Deccan Herald, the veteran officer analysed the current crisis.
“The current situation is completely different from regular transgressions and even the past standoffs... One striking variation is the complete disregard of existing agreements and protocols by the Chinese Army. They have thrown restraint to the wind and deliberately initiated large-scale violence.” said Hooda.
Talking about the Galwan Valley, Hooda said that “the PLA wishes to gain a strategic advantage by coming inside our territory to dominate the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) road. This road is absolutely vital for us to support our forces that are deployed in the northern areas of Ladakh leading up to the Karakoram Pass. But I think there is a larger message that the Chinese are trying to convey that they will use the instrument of military coercion to force an acceptance of their demands.” and “We are facing a powerful and assertive adversary who now appears willing to use its military capability to forcibly settle the border dispute in its favour.”
Talking about political handling of the situation hooda said, “It would be good if one-upmanship takes a backseat and we all come together to deal with this grave problem on our hands… the ruling party is painting a picture of the PLA having had a free run along the LAC in the past… these narratives do grave injustice to soldiers who are currently handling the difficult situation as well as those soldiers who have resolutely defended our borders in the past.”
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