LAC: The Line 'Not' in Actual Control - A Geospatial Reconstruction of the India-China Border in Ladakh

Tsering Dorjay

Abstract: This study undertakes a comprehensive geospatial reconstruction of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, analysing its historical evolution and present alignment through archival material, governmental records, and high-resolution satellite imagery. By digitising the 1960 Chinese claim line, India's pre-1962 administrative extent, and key military positions from 1959 and September 1962-derived from official government sources-the study integrates these datasets with contemporary satellite assessments to document spatial shifts along the frontier. The findings indicate that China's present deployments and infrastructure expansion largely consolidate its 1960 claim line and have advanced to positions held during the 1962 war, effectively eliminating much of the post-war buffer zone. Only three sub-sectors-Anee La-Marsimik La, DBO, and Koyul-Demchok-remain outside permanent PLA occupation, while the remaining areas have been consolidated. The study clarifies the operational meaning of the LAC and identifies the core factors underlying the differing interpretations of the LAC by India and China in the Ladakh sector. It also documents the socio-economic challenges faced by nomadic communities along the LAC.

Keywords: LAC, Ladakh, India-China Border, Western Sector and Eastern Ladakh

How to Cite?: Tsering Dorjay, "LAC: The Line 'Not' in Actual Control - A Geospatial Reconstruction of the India-China Border in Ladakh", Volume 14 Issue 11, November 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1679-1685, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251124173608, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251124173608