SRINAGAR: The Indian Army is finalising the structure of a new division for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Eastern Ladakh. The 72 Infantry Division, approved earlier by the Government, will not involve fresh recruitment but will re-task existing brigades, Daily Excelsior reported, quoting official sources.
Sources said the division’s war-fighting components have been defined, and it will operate under the Leh-based 14 Corps. Its responsibilities will include the 832 km LAC with China, the LoC in the Drass-Kargil-Batalik sector, and the Siachen Glacier.
According to Daily Excelsior, the Army had moved several units to Ladakh during the standoff with China in April 2020. These included the 6 Mountain Brigade from Bareilly and parts of the Mathura-based 1 Strike Corps.
The new division is expected to integrate some existing formations, including elements from the 8 Mountain Division and 3 Infantry Division, to consolidate troop strength in the region.
Initially sanctioned in 2017 as part of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps with its base in Pathankot, the 72 Infantry Division will now be headquartered in Eastern Ladakh.
