Days after India and China reached an agreement to disengage from key border points in eastern Ladakh, Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa Jan expressed doubts about China’s commitment to the pact. Speaking from Demchok, he said, “Trusting China completely is difficult.” Jan underscored the Indian Army and government’s commitment to peace, but stressed that it takes both sides to maintain stability.
A Local Perspective on Border Tensions
As Ladakh’s sole representative in the Lok Sabha, Jan shared the unique perspective of those who reside close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “Those of us who live near the border know what war feels like. We desire peace and welcome this agreement, but we want to see it upheld on the ground.” His comments highlight the lived experience of border residents, who have borne the brunt of military tensions in the region.
India-China Border Disengagement: A Step Forward?
The latest disengagement effort involved Indian and Chinese forces withdrawing from key points in Depsang and Demchok. The process culminated on Diwali with an exchange of sweets between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at several border points in Ladakh. The pact marks the first step toward restoring normalcy since hostilities intensified in April 2020, triggered by the Chinese army’s actions along the LAC.
Historic Patrolling Pact and Diplomatic Implications
The recent agreement also clears the way for a rare bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Russia. This potential meeting, set to be the first between the two leaders in five years, may signal renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve border tensions through dialogue.
A Cautious Optimism for Peace
Jan’s remarks reflect cautious optimism in Ladakh, where residents desire peace but remain wary of China’s historical patterns along the border. “Tensions along the border should be reduced through diplomatic means,” he urged, underscoring the importance of consistent implementation of the pact for lasting peace along the LAC.
