India, China reiterate stand on disengagement of troops at LAC in WMCC meeting
New Delhi/IBNS: India and China on Friday reiterated their decision to work on complete disengagement of their troops along the Line of Control (LAC) in the Ladakh region where a violent face off had taken place in June last.
A statement issued after the 16th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs said "both sides will ensure complete disengagement of the troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and de-escalation from India-China border areas for full restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols."
The two sides recalled the agreement reached between the two Foreign Ministers on June 17, 2020 as well as the agreement between two Special Representatives (SRs) during their telephonic conversation on 5 July 2020, the statement read.
The two sides maintained that peace and tranquillity in the border areas was essential for the overall development of bilateral relations.
The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Director General of the Boundary & Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Chinese delegation.
Both sides agreed that it was necessary for both sides to sincerely implement the understandings reached between Senior Commanders.
In all, there have been three meetings between military corps commanders on June 6, 22 and 30 and two meetings of the WMCC on June 5 and 24.
The two countries reviewed the situation in the India-China border areas including the progress made in the ongoing disengagement process along the LAC in the Western Sector, the statement said.
It was decided to maintain the ongoing communication both at the diplomatic and military level to ensure early resolution of the situation. The two sides also agreed to hold another meeting of the WMCC in the near future, but didn't mention a date and time.
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