Indian tanks move in Sikkim after Chinese activities
There is trouble brewing on India-China border in Sikkim. The Indian army has moved T-72 main battle tanks to a remote area in north Sikkim after China increased patrolling in the strategic Finger Area.
China now plans to build a road through the Finger Area.
The Indian army is strengthening defenses in the area by deploying heavy tanks and armored personnel carriers. The mobilization took place after repeated Chinese transgressions last year in the Finger Area -- 1 km stretch of land in the northern tip of Sikkim that overlooks a valley called the Sora Funnel.
Finger Area is considered a strong defensive position. The army has also increased surveillance capabilities in the region. At least two Long Range Observation Systems have been set up in the Finger Area.
The strengthening of defenses has taken place partly after the re-induction of 27 Mountain Division to north Sikkim.
The Finger Area came under focus after the Chinese increased patrolling and even planned to build a road through it. While the area was always under Indian control, the army held only a few traditional defensive positions.
source : India Today
