SINO-INDIAN BORDER DEFENSE CHUSHUL AREA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP89B00569R000200120051-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 22
• Document Creation Date: December 15, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 28, 2004
• Sequence Number: 51
• Publication Date: February 1, 1963
• Content Type: REPORT

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N P I C/R-10/63
February 1963
SINO-INDIAN BORDER DEFENSE
TOP SECRET
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CHUSHUL AREA
TOP SECRET
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SINO-INDIAN BORDER DEFENSES
CHUSHUL AREA
N P I C/R-10/63
February 1963
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INTRODUCTION
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Excellent-quality TALENT photography of
F-1
has revealed details of military
defenses and related support facilities in the
vicinity of Chushul, India, in the Sino-Indian
border region (Figure 1). The area covered
TWO INDIAN MILITARY CAMPS
(Item 1, Figure 2)
Cramp A
Location--33-58N 78-23E, 35 nm north-
west of Chushul.
Facilities--4 large, 2 medium, and 55
small tents; 6 probable storage buildings, one
4-gun AAA (antiaircraft-artillery) poistion (oc-
cupancy undetermined); 5 unoccupied AW (au-
tomatic-weapons) positions; numerous person-
nel positions; and approximately 6 vehicles.
extends from 33-OON to 34-OON and from
78-15E to 79-15E and includes Indian, Chinese,
and disputed territory. Determinations of
Chinese or Indian occupancy of the defenses
are based on the orientation of firing bays,
trenches, and gun positions.
This report covers numerous military areas
and installations observed (items 1-20 on Fig-
ure 2). Annotated photographs (Figures 3 through
14) illustrate the major items. Of special
interest are a small Indian landing strip, the
Indian mine field and Indian and Chinese strong-
points at the west end of Spanggur Tso (Lake),
and the absence of armored vehicles in the
area. Although the general photographic quality
is high, the obliquity of much of it and the
presence of deep shadows in the mountainous
terrain may preclude the identification of addi-
tional military installations, armored equip-
ment, or roads. Geographic locations have
been determined from available maps of this
area, which are of only poor to fair reli-
ability.
Location--33-58N 78-21E, 2 nm northwest
of Camp A.
Facilities--2 large and 8 small tents, and
17 trucks.
PROBABLE CHINESE MILITARY POST
(Item 2, Figure 2)
Location--at Dambu Guru, 33-58N 78-55E,
25 nm northeast of Chushul.
Facilities--2 long barracks- or storage-
type buildings and at least 9 smaller structures
in a partially walled area.
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INDIAN LANDING STRIP
(Item 3, Figure 2; Figure 3)
Location--33-42N 78-28E, 12 nm north-
west of Chushul, elevation, approximately 14,000
feet.
Facilities--Natural-surface, graded strip,
4,000 by 140 feet, served by a single-lane,
natural-surface road. No navigation, POL,
or closed storage facilities evident. One
C-119 parked off the northern end of the strip.
Defenses: three AW positions and several
individual firing positions.
MILITARY STRONGPOINT
(OCCUPANCY UNDETERMINED)
(Item 4, Figure 2)
Location--33-43N 78-48E, 11 nm north-
east of Chushul, on the north shore of Pangong
Tso.
Facilities- -numerous positions andtrench-
es on three ridges overlooking the lake, as
follows :
On west ridge--trenches with several
firing positions close to the lake, and a short
trench with approximately six firing positions
and one AW position higher on the ridge and
to the north.
On center ridge--on the crest, a trench
system with approximately nine firing bays en-
circling an AW position; at the base, numerous
firing positions.
On east ridge, parallel to the lake,
one AW position and two individual firing
positions on the crest.
MILITARY STRONGPOINT
(OCCUPANCY UNDETERMINED)
(Item 5, Figure 2)
Location--33-44N 78-51E, 13 nm north-
east of Chushul, on the north shore of Pangong
Tso.
NPIC/R-10/63
Facilities--trenches and positions in two
areas.
Forward area, on a hill overlooking the
lake--a trench system, six AW positions, and
numerous individual firing pits.
Rear area, on higher ground--a trench
system, five AW positions, numerous individual
firing pits, and two vehicles.
KHURNAK FORT (CHINESE)
(Item 6, Figure 2)
Location--33-44N 78-59E, 20 nm north-
east of Chushul, on the north shore of Pangong
Tso.
Facilities--one large barracks-type build-
ing, 2 large storage-type buildings, and 9
smaller buildings; dry moat on three sides;
six AW positions and several individual fir-
ing positions. Served by natural surface road;
no vehicles observed.
INDIAN MILITARY STRONGPOINT
(Item 7, Figure 2; Figure 4)
Location--33-42N 78-42E, 5 nm north-
northeast of Chushul, on the south shore of
the Pangong Tso.
Facilities --large earth-covered command/
observation post, 13 covered personnel shelters,
6 trenches containing a total of 9 AW posi-
tions; numerous individual firing positions dis-
persed throughout the area overlooking the lake
and beaches; 2 small buildings, one tent, and
a storage pit on the reverse slope at the base
of the hill; considerable track activity. Served
by a single-lane, natural-surface road. One
2-gun unoccupied AW position and a short trench
approximately 2 nm southwest of the strong-
point.
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PROBABLE INDIAN MILITARY STRONGPOINT
(Item 8, Figure 2)
Location 33-40N 78-41E, 5 nm north-
northeast of Chushul, on the south shore of
Pangong Tso.
Faculties--trenches and positions on two
ridges.
On west ridge--a long zigzag trench,
16 individual firing pits, 3 AWpositions, and one
covered AW position on the crest of the ridge;
21 individual firing pits at the base of the
ridge.
On east ridge--a long trench with AW
and individual firing positions, intersected at
90-degree angle by another trench with 11
field-artillery positions; 7 firing positions on
an adjacent small ridge. All positions over-
look and control fields of fire into a possible
landing beach.
STRONOPOINTS
(Item 9, Figure 2; Figure 5)
West Strongpoint
Location--33-35N 78-53E, 13 nm east-
northeast of Chushul, on the south shore of
Pangong Tso.
Facilities--one trench system on a mountain
ridge with AW positions; 4 storage revetments
and approximately 12 AW positions at the base
of the mountain (Figure 5).
Location--33-42N 48-56E, 14 nm east-
northeast of Chushul, on the south shore of
Pangong Tso.
Facilities--two trench systems with firing
and AW positions (shadow precludes detailed
interpretation).
IN CHUSHUL
(Item 10, Figure 2; Figures 6 and 7)
Location--33-36N 78-41E
Description--military installations concen-
trated in north, central, and south parts of
town; trenches with covered and open AW
positions and numerous individual firing po-
sitions dispersed throughout the central part of
town on high ground and on the south edge of
town, considerable track activity; area served
by natural-surface roads.
North installation--a motor pool con-
taining 3 large buildings, 4 large tents, and
21 vehicles.
Central installation--a partially walled
ri:)tor pool containing 2 large tents and 17
vehicles; 6 large storage buildings; and one
large administrative-type building.
South installation--a motor pool con-
taining 2 small tents and 15 vehicles; a stor-
age area containing 12 warehouse-type build-
ings; and 3 barracks areas with a total of 25
large buildings.
CHUSHUL AIRFIELD (INDIAN)
(Item 11, Figure 2; Figures 6 and 8)
Location--37-32N 78-41E, 5 nm southeast
of Chushul; elevation, approximately 14,000 feet.
Description--runway 5,500 by 100 feet, ori-
ented northwest-southeast, asphalt, overrun of
2,600 feet on the northwest and of 1,400 feet on
the southeast. Navigational aid near the north-
west end of the runway, a probable temporary
control tower near the southeast end of the
runway. Three storage areas containing mater-
ial, equipment, and buildings used in improve-
ment of the airfield. POL storage area near
the northwest overrun, with six horizontal tanks
in revetments. On the west side of the field,
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2 large H-shaped and 2 U-shaped barracks and
3 smaller buildings. On the east side, 3 U-
shaped, 2 L-shaped, and 7 smaller buildings
in one area; 4 U-shaped and one L-shaped
barracks-type buildings and 5 small buildings
in another area (with wire fencing on three
sides). Field served by a natural-surface road.
Extensive track activity.
Defenses--extensive trench system sur-
rounding the field and numerous AW and field-
artillery positions and individual firing pits.
INDIAN MINE FIELD AND INDIAN AND
CHINESE MILITARY STRONGPOINTS
(Item 12, Figure 2; Figures 6, 9, 10, It, and 12)
Location- -33-34N 78-47E, approximately
5 nm east of Chushul Airfield and west of
Spanggur Tso, in one of the best passes between
China and India. Chinese-built improved single-
lane road extends from Rudog through this pass
to Chushul.
Indian Strongpoint
(Item 12A, Figure 9)
Located at south end of Indian mine field
(item 12C). Consists of a trench on the east
flank of a mountain spur, with firing positions
facing east. One trench crosses the spur.
On the west side of the spur are at least
two firing positions consisting of a trench
and a revetted placement, possibly for mortars.
At least three double rows of mines and a wire
fence protect the east approaches to the strong-
point.
Indian Strongpoint
(Item 12B, Figure 10)
Located at the north end of the Indian
mine field. Consists of a trench on the south
and east sides of the spur, with firing positions
facing south and east. At least four double
rows of mines and a wire fence protect the
south and east sides of the strongpoint.
Indian Mine Field
(Item 12C, Figures 9 and 10)
Located between the two strongpoints (items
12A and B). Consists of about 2,500 mines in
four continuous double zigzag rows about 7,400
feet apart, with the mines staggered about 20
feet apart, and a fifth intermittent double row
of mines.
Three Indian Strongpoints
(Item 12D, Figures 9 and 10)
Immediately west of mine field (item 12C),
providing additional field of fire for protection
of pass and mine field. Each consists of
trench work and bunkered firing positions and
bunkered personnel shelters; all three protected
on the east side by a wire fence.
Other revetted firing positions, foxholes,
and two small trenches are located along both
sides of the pass between the mine field and
Chushul Airfield. Numerous foxholes and firing
positions are located on a ridge immediately
behind item 12B, an Indian strongpoint.
Chinese Strongpoints
(Item 12E, Figure 11)
On the south side of the pass, approx-
imately 9,000 feet east of the Indian mine field.
Consist of extensive trench work, firing posi-
tions, at least six bunkers (some of which re-
semble small circular pillboxes), at least 12
buildings (some partially revetted), and num-
erous foxholes. Fenced on the east and north
sides. The trench work and firing positions
face Indian strongpoints. Tracks extend to a
Chinese strongpoint (item F) on the north side
of the pass. Three small trenches facing an
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Indian strongpoint (item 12A) are located 5,400
feet to the west.
Chinese Strongpoint
(Item 12F, Figure 12)
On the north side of the pass, 4,500 feet
east of the Indian mine field (item 12C) and
an Indian strongpoint (item 12B). Consists
of a trench on the south and west base of a
mountain spur, and other trench work on the
ridge of the spur. Trails to the trenches on
the spur are on the east side, away from
Indian positions.
From this strongpoint a double row of mines
extends south for about 2,600 feet and ends
about 1,500 feet short of the south side of
the pass. Three probable mortar or gun po-
sitions are located on the east side of the spur.
About 2,000 feet north of these are six firing
positions. Tracks connect the strongpoint with
the larger Chinese strongpoints (item 12E).
Chinese Strongpoint
(Item 12G)
A trail extends generally east from item 12F
and then north to this small Chinese strongpoint
at approximately 33-37N 78-52E.
Facilities include a trench with two firing
positions facing west. A zigzag trail leads
east to excavations for six small buildings along
the trail.
INDIAN MILITARY STRONGPOINT
(Item 13, Figure 2)
Location--33-28N 78-44E, 9 nm south-
east of Chushul, straddling the road between
Chushul and Gar Dzong.
Facilities--numerous trenches, AW and
field-artillery positions, covered personnel
shelters, and individual firing points. Con-
siderable track activity. West and northwest
are a few tents and an open-storage area.
Two trucks observed.
CHINESE MILITARY STRONGPOINT
(Item 14, Figure 2; Figure 13)
Location 33-30N 78-51E, 13 nm south-
east of Chushul, on the south shore of Spanggur
Tso.
Facilities--Extensive trench system on a
ridge, with individual firing points, covered
and open AW positions (at least one of which
resembles a circular pillbox), individual firing
pits, and one large building. A wire fence
bounds the area on three sides. A support
area, at the base of the ridge on the east side,
contains at least 2 tents, 2 revetted buildings
(possibly for ammunition storage), and 2 bunk-
ers. A 4-gun unoccupied position is nearby
and 3 revetted and 2 covered storage positions
are approximately 4,500 feet south of the strong-
point.
Along the same ridge approximately 3 nm
of this strongpoint are one trench, four firing
positions, and numerous foxholes.
PROBABLE INDIAN MILITARY CAMP
(Item 15, Figure 2)
Location--33-1ON 78-42E, 25 nm south
of Chushul on the north bank of the Indus.
Facilities--Approximately 18 tents and 10
probable vehicles.
THREE PROBABLE INDIAN MILITARY CAMPS
AND STRONGPOINT
(Item 16, Figure 2)
Location--33-11N 78-48E, 26 nm south-
southeast of Chushul.
Facilities--Three camps containing a total
of approximately 27 tents, 18 probable vehicles,
2 four-gun occupied AW positions, several un-
occupied AW positions, and unidentified material
or equipment throughout the area, some of
which is stored in revetted positions.
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PROBABLE INDIAN MILITARY CAMP
AND STRONGPOINT
(Item 17, Figure 2)
I
Location--33-15N 78-55E, 24 nm south-
southeast of Chushul.
Facilities--approximately 15 tents, one
storage-type building, one 4-gun unoccupied
position, numerous personnel emplacements,
and numerous circular revetted storage posi-
tions, (several occupied) and 7 vehicles.
PROBABLE INDIAN MILITARY BARRACKS
AND STRONGPOINTS
(Item 18, Figure 2)
Location--33-13N 78-57E, 30 nm south-
east of Chushul.
Facilities--Approximately 18 barracks- or
storage-type buildings, about 5 tents, four-
gun unoccupied AAA position, numerous AW and
personnel positions, and 5 vehicles.
CHUSHUL-RUDOG ROAD
(Item 19, Figure 2)
This Chinese-built road is a single-lane
natural-surface improved road. It follows
the south shore of Spanggur Tso and runs
along the course of a stream valley to the
east, and is not aligned as shown on maps
of the area.
ROAD NORTH FROM KHURNAK FORT
(Item 20, Figure 2)
This Chinese-built road, a single-lane,
natural-surface road, was observed from 33-
46N 78-59E near Khurnak Fort, to 34-02N
78-59E.
MAPS OR CHARTS
VAC. 432, 6th ed, Jun 58
AMS. Series 1301, Sheet NI 44, Dec 62
CIA. Sheet 35248 (China-India Frontier Area , Jun 61
RELATED DOCUMENTS
CIA. RR-GM 62-9, The Disputed Frontiers of Kashmir, Nov 62
REQUIREMENT
NPIC. PC 69/63
NPIC PROJECT
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