India and China have reached an agreement to disengagetroops from north and south of the Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh region,Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The Defence Minister said, "The sustained talks with China have led to theagreement on the disengagement on the north and south banks of Pangong Lake.After the agreement, India-China will remove forward deployments in a phasedand coordinated manner."
"China will keep its troops to the east of the Finger 8 in the north ofPangong Lake. India will keep its troops at its permanent base near Finger3," said Rajnath Singh.
"China has built up a heavy force with arms and ammunition on their sideat several spots near the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Our forces have also adequateand effectively done counter deployment," said the Defense Minister.
"We are committed to maintaining a peaceful situation at the Line ofActual Control. India has always emphasised on maintaining bilateralties," said Rajnath Singh
He said that forces will return to the command post and added: "Not aninch of land will be given and nothing has been lost since the faceoff".
The Defence Minister said the security forces have proved that they are readyto face any challenge to protect the sovereignty of the country and the nationwill always remember the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers.
He said, "The country stands united when it comes to the national securitywhichever party you belong."