PTIOn Tuesday, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin rawat visited several forward locations along China's Line of Actual Control (LAC), around the Himachal Pradesh Sector to assess India's military readiness in this sensitive region. Gen Rawat encouraged troops to be steadfast in defending the country's territorial integrity during his interactions with them.His long day-long visit the Sumdoh section along the LAC was during the ongoing military standoff between Indian militaries and Chinese militaries at several points in eastern Ladakh.The Army stated that General Bipin Rawat, #CDS, interacted with troops and complimented their morale. He also exhorted them not to lose heart in their mission of protecting the nation's territorial integrity with the same zeal as he did.According to the report, the Chief of Defence Staff was briefed by local commanders about the ground situation.The Army stated that General Bipin Rawat, #CDS, visited Forward Areas of Central Sector along LAC. He was briefed on the operational situation by local commanders."Since May 2013, India and China had been locked in a military standoff at several friction points in eastern Ladakh. After a series military and diplomatic talks, both sides agreed to withdraw troops and weapons from the North- and South banks of Pangong lakes in February.Both sides are currently engaged in negotiations to expand the disengagement process to all remaining friction points. India has been pressing particularly for the disengagement of troops at Hot Springs, Gogra, and Depsang.Military officials claim that each side has approximately 50,000-60,000 troops in the sensitive sector along the Line of Actual Control.As the Chinese side refused to compromise at the 11th round military talks, there was no apparent forward movement in disengagement troops from the remaining friction points.
