Tense Vigil on the Nathu Pass

TENSE VIGIL ON THE NATHU PASS

Where Sikkim's frontier marches with Tibet, Indian troops face those of China across a few hundred yards of desolate snow. Fifteen thousand feet up on the Nathu Pass, the two sides are within shouting distance of each other. These remarkable photographs are a vivid demonstration of the closeness of the confrontation. From this bleak country of eternal snow, the spark might fly that could plunge the world into war. Along this dangerous sector China threatened to attack when India was in the thick of the fighting with Pakistan in 1965, unless India dismantled fortifications allegedly constructed on the wrong side of the frontier. It was a grim Chinese ultimatum. The world waited tensely for things to happen. But the Chinese backed down from the ultimatum, saying that the fortifications had been dismantled.

	On the look out for Chinese movements, the border lies across some of the difficult terrain in the country - most of it inaccessible to motor traffic. Thus patrolling by foot is the only viable option.

	The tension shows in the face of this Indian soldier as he clutches his submachine-gun. Warmly wrapped against the cold, he keeps watch on the Sino-Indian frontier on the Nathu Pass.

	The sly photographer photographed: Muffled in a balaclava helmet, a jawan keeps an alert watch facing Tibet, as a Chinese soldier clicks away to overcome his curiosity.

	An Indian soldier, armed with a Sten gun, patrolling the Nathu Pass. Notice the sharp edges and rugged terrain.

	Equipped for the unceasing vigil: Indian soldiers prepare for another day of patrol along the Nathu Pass.


	This stone commemorates the completion of a road in the border area.