CHUSHUL – GEOGRAPHY

News: Indian Shepherds Clash, 'Pelt Stones' On Chinese Troops in Chushul Sector

 

What's in the news?

       Ladakhi shepherds thanked the Indian army a day after their video of clashing with the Chinese in the Chushul sector of Ladakh went viral.

 

Key takeaways:

       Tension continues to prevail in a remote border region in Ladakh after local herders reportedly pelted stones at a Chinese Army patrolling unit earlier this month, after they were allegedly denied access to their traditional grazing lands.

 

Chushul:

       The Chushul sub-sector lies south of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh.

       It comprises high, broken mountains and heights of Thatung, Black Top, Helmet Top, Gurung Hill, and Magger Hill besides passes such as Rezang La and Reqin La, the Spanggur Gap, and the Chushul valley.

 

Features:

       Situated at a height of over 13,000 feet close to the LAC, the Chushul Valley has a vital airstrip that played an important role even during the 1962 War with China.

       Chushul is one among the five Border Personnel Meeting points between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army of China.

       It is here that representatives of the two armies meet for regular interactions.

 

Significance:

       Chushul enjoys tremendous strategic and tactical importance because of its location and terrain, which make it a centre for logistics deployment.

       Chushul is the gateway to Leh. If China enters Chushul, it can launch its operations for Leh.