16 rounds of CCL meetings held along LAC so far this year: MoD

Srinagar, Dec 18: As part of the engagement mechanism between Indian Military and People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a total of 16 rounds of Corps Commander Level (CCL) and 12 Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meetings were held along LAC so far this year, MOD spokesman on Sunday said.
A spokesman at Ministry of Defense (MOD) Bharat Bhushan Babu told Rising Kashmir that 16 rounds of CCL meetings and 12 related to the working mechanisms for Consultation and Coordination meetings have been held till date.
“With diplomatic and military efforts, effective disengagement with PLA forces was achieved from the area of Patrolling Point (PP 15) (Eastern Ladakh) in September,” he said quoting the Year End Review Report 2022 issued by MOD last week.
He said this disengagement was carried out almost a year after the previous such disengagement which was effected from Gogra in August 2021.The spokesman said subsequent talks are being scheduled to discuss disengagement in the balance friction areas in Eastern Ladakh.
Earlier on December 09, PLA troops tried to transgress LAC in Yangtse area of Tawangsector and unilaterally change the status quo.
In a statement in Parliament on the incident, , Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed both Houses that the Chinese attempt was contested by Indian troops in a firm and resolute manner.
“The ensuing face-off led to a physical scuffle in which the Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from transgressing into our territory and compelled them to return to their posts. The scuffle led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides,” he stated.
Defence Minister had reportedly stated that there were no fatalities or serious casualties on our side. Due to timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers went back to their locations.
“As a follow-up of the incident, local Commander in the area held a Flag Meeting with his counterpart on December 11 to discuss the issue in accordance with established mechanisms,” he stated.
Defence Minister had also stated that Chinese side was asked to refrain from such actions and maintain peace and tranquility along the border. The issue was also taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels, he stated.
“This matter has also been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. I want to assure the House that our forces are committed to guard our borders and ready to thwart any attempt that will be made to challenge it,” the Defence Minister stated.
“I am confident this House will respect the capability, valour and commitment of our armed forces, he stated.
On 12th December, Indian Army in a statement said: “On December 9, PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector which was contested by own (Indian) troops in a firm and resolute manner. This face-off led to minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides.”
“Both sides immediately disengaged from the area. As a follow up of the incident, own (Indian) commander in the area held a flag meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity,” it said.