China maintaining sizeable troops near Dokalam: Sources

It seems that tension between Chinese and India armies has yet not reduced as the former has still maintained a sizeable presence of its troops near the Dokalam Pleateu.

Sources said China is slowly enhancing its troops in the Dokalam Plateau which could further escalate tension between the two nations.

India has reasons to be concerned about it, sources added.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa also gave similar indication that tension could prevail in the region due to the presence of Chinese forces in the Chumbi Valley in the Dokalam Plateau.

“The two sides are not in a physical face-off as we speak. However, their forces in Chumbi Valley are still deployed and I expect them to withdraw as their exercise in the area gets over,” Dhanoa told reporters.

There has been territorial disputes between China and Bhutan over Dokalam and India has been staunchly supporting Thimphu over the issue.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Dokalam since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Dokalam.

Also Read | India-China standoff: US wants India, China to have direct dialogue to reduce tensions

Bhutan and India were in touch with each other during the course of the face-off that ended on August 28.

Days after the face-off ended, Army Chief Bipin Rawat had said China has started “flexing its muscles” and warned that the situation in India’s northern border could snowball into a larger conflict.

There are also reports that People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has increased more troops on its forward post in Yatung.

Sources said though Chinese troops have been deployed in Dokalam Plateau, they leave the area during winters.

Also Read | Bhutan acknowledges that Dokalam is a Chinese area: Beijing

But, there were indication that they may leave the areas this time, they added. (With PTI Inputs)