India and China have disputes for the sovereignty of the land over the long 4,057 kilometre border. But Sikkim is the only state in India which has demarcated border with China based on 1898 treaty. After a referendum in 1975, Sikkim voted to merge with the union of India. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the mountains terrain of the Tibetan Autonomous Region takes place from Nathula Pass since 2015. It is a 1500 KM long bus journey. The other older route Lipulekh Pass is there to trek through rough terrains of Uttarakhand, Nepal and Tibet. The abode of Lord Siva is believed to be there.
Recently, China forcefully entered in the 89 square KM of Doklam Plateau; it is Doka La for India and Donglang for China. The unmarked disputed border of China and Bhutan is strategically important to Chumbi valley at the intersection of India-China-Bhutan. Bhutan army protested that the construction of road violated a bilateral agreement and raised SOS. The tri-junction is just 20 KM away from Brigade HQ. The specialized mountain force ITBP marched ahead and have been locked in a standoff with PLA for a month. Indian Army displayed utmost restraint. In retaliation for the alleged Indian Army’s action, Beijing blocked the entry of Indian pilgrims. Chinese refusal got frustrated to a large number of pilgrimages from Hindus to Buddhists and Jains. Interestingly both the sides 33 Corps HQ and 141 PLA Division are accusing the other of territorial intrusions and illegal troop encroachments.
China does it often to gain strategic edge over monitoring movement along the international border. Their game plan is to conduct military manoeuvres aimed at blocking the Siliguri corridor (chicken neck) the narrow stretch of land that connects India’s seven north eastern states. Both the countries even exchanged war of words over escalating border dispute. India’s presence in Bhutan has irritated China, where they have no diplomatic relation with Bhutan. The construction of road near tri-junction would cause serious security implications for India and Chinese have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Is North east now in real danger of possible military conflict after Chinese strategic calculus. Delhi and Beijing have been at loggerheads over the situation. Will China go safeguarding its border sovereignty even at the cost of war? China and India should help each other to bring hope for the depressed world economy and illuminate the world. Also India should keep an eye out for further Chinese transgressions in the future.
Kamal Baruah
