Withdrawal process of PLA and Indian troops from Pangong Tso is being done as per schedule.

The process of withdrawal of troops is being monitored by the government. The Indian Army expressed satisfaction over this process. This process is expected to be completed by February 19.

Highlights:

• Chinese army's heavy battle tanks retreating  from Finger 8 on the north coast.

• The process of withdrawal of troops in South Block was monitored.

• For the time being the area from Finger 4 to Finger 8 will be a civilian area.

• Disengagement between LAC and India troops started.

New Delhi:According to the agreement between India and China, the withdrawal process of PLA and Indian troops from Pangong Tso is being done as per schedule. According to satellite images, it is clear that the heavy battle tanks of the Chinese Army are rapidly retreating from Finger 8 on the north coast of Lake.

According to media reports, the withdrawal of troops in South Block was monitored on Friday. Satisfaction was expressed on behalf of the Indian Army on this prescribed procedure. This withdrawal of troops is expected to be completed on February 19 or within 10 days of commencement. A senior official quoted in the report saying, "I think a good process has already achieved its objectives. According to the schedule, the Chinese army is retreating very fast."

As per the agreement to withdraw troops from Pangong Tso, the PLA will move east of Finger 8 towards Sreejap Plain. The Indian Army will return to Dhan Singh Thapa post on Finger 3. The area from Finger 4 to Finger 8 will be civilian area. There will be agreement on further commander level talks on patrolling at this place.

Lt. Gen. Vinod Bhatia (retd), former Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), said the retreat of the troops is taking place at their conflict points, which are most vulnerable on the north and south banks of Pangong Lake. The most sensitive area is the southern bank of Pangong Lake. From there the process of withdrawal of troops has started and later it will start in other areas as well.

He said that it is a long and tedious process, which is not an easy task either. He said, 'These are high altitude areas and it will take time. They (China) will vacate the constructions done by them, removing bunkers and settlements from Finger 5 and Finger 6.