Doklam effect? ITBP to get choppers to guard Himalayas along China border

Amid reports of increased transgressions by Chinese soldiers into the Indian side, the Narendra Modi government has decided to form an ITBP air wing.

The development comes days after both India and China resolved the Doklam standoff issue in the Sikkim sector.

According to a Times of India report, the paramilitary force would initially get two twin-engine choppers. The aircraft would be essentially used to keep an eye on the Himalayas along the China border to check any intrusion in time.

The report also said that the ITBP air wing would have two air bases in Chandigarh and Borjhar near Guwahati. 

The helicopters will also be used to ferry sick soldiers, supply food and recce the border areas.

Special requirement for the crew of the ITBP air wing also include good knowledge of the border area especially Line of Actual Control so that they don’t accidently cross over to the other side. 

So far, the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Forces used to provide air support to the ITBP, but only in times of emergencies. 

China has shown an aggressive stance as far as the border areas are concerned. According to a recent report, China transgressed into the LAC 271 times in 2016, which means the increase in transgressions in the one-year period rose by 144.

There are 23 major areas of dispute on the LAC identified by the Indian side, where most Chinese transgressions take place and faceoffs occur. These include Demchok, Chumar, Pangong Tso and Spanggur Gap in Ladakh, Kaurik in Himachal Pradesh, Barahoti in Uttarakhand, and Namkha Chu, Sumdorong Chu, Asaphila and Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.