Uttarakhand Border Districts On Alert After Galwan Face Off Between India and China

Following the violent stand off between India and China in Ladakh's Galwan Valley, the border districts of Uttarakhand are on alert. Uttarakhand's border with China extends to 350 km.

This report says that district administration of Chamoli has allowed the local shepherds of Badahoti and Mana Pass to take their goats for grazing.

The shepherds and herders are considered the second line of defence in parts of the border district and are crucial to the internal security.

Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Uttarkashi - the three districts have remained in focus over different episodes of tension with China in the past and with Nepal recently.

The ITBP has its presence on forward posts in Badahoti and Mana Pass and keeps its eye on the enemy.

Last month, there were reports of the Indian Army increasing its presence in Uttarakhand following the build up in Ladakh.

Earlier this month, there were reports of the Chinese objecting to the efforts on the Indian side to improve infrastructure in the Lipulekh area near the border. Nepal, too, has raised objections to the new road to the Lipulekh pass.