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Idea to occupy heights around Pangong Tso emerged in meetings led by NSA Ajit Doval

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 2/26/2021 1:01:28 PM

New Delhi, Feb 25 The idea that Indian forces should occupy the strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong Tso during the standoff with China, emerged during meetings led by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval in August last year, government sources have said. Terming it to be a 'game changer' idea, the sources said this move has helped in resolving the crisis in the northern borders. It was during these meetings led by the NSA where a suggestion was given to occupy the southern bank heights, including Rezang La, Rechen La, Helmet top and Aqi La. This helped in bringing the Chinese to the talking table to ensure disengagement from the heights along Pangong Tso. The meetings led by the NSA included Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane. Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria also continued briefing to the NSA on the aggressive stance taken by the Indian Air Force to counter the Chinese threat in the northern borders area. It was during these meetings that the idea to occupy the heights came up and was precisely implemented by special frontier force and army troops under close monitoring of the NSA and India's top military brass. "What we have achieved so far is very good. We had a number of meetings, and in these, the advice given by our NSA also came in extremely handy. His insight into strategic affairs and matters definitely helped us in chalking out our response," Army chief General MM Naravane said while speaking about NSA Ajit Doval's role in helping resolve the standoff with China. In the past, the NSA and his team is said to have played a key role in handling the security situation during the attack on Patahankot airbase and the Doklam crisis.