The Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Sunday established a new hotline in the eastern sector to enable local commanders from both sides to speak directly and resolve differences on the ground, officials familiar with the development said.
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The establishment of the hotline
The hotline has been established between commanders of the Indian Army at Kongra La in North Sikkim and the PLA at Khamba Dzong in Tibetan Autonomous Region, the Indian Army said in a statement.
The latest hotline was activated a day after the two armies held the 12th round of talks in the Ladakh sector to cool tensions along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Inauguration of the hotline
The inauguration of the hotline was attended by ground commanders of both the countries and messages of “friendship and harmony” were exchanged through the hotline.
The Indian Army release highlighted, “the Armed forces of the two countries have well-established mechanisms for communication at ground commanders level”, adding that these “hotlines in various sectors go a long way in enhancing the same and maintaining peace and tranquility at the borders”.
Hotline for the local Commanders
The sixth hotline is for local commanders between the two armies – two in eastern Ladakh, two in Arunachal Pradesh, and two in Sikkim.
The hotline has been established to “further the spirit of trust and cordial relations along the borders,” the Indian Army statement said.
