The Jeong Nala, also called Jiwan Nala: "It is mispronounced—or perhaps deliberately changed—as ‘Jiwan’ by both Indian soldiers posted there and visiting surveyors; it makes for another example of thoughtless deculturisation of Ladakh being committed by people from the plains." and Nacho Chu,: "By 24 Oct , all the forward posts established in the Chip Chap and Nachu Chu river valleys had been withdrawn. DBO was also abandoned. 14 J&K Militia continued to hold Saser Brangsa, Murgo, Sultan Chushku and the junction of the Galwan and Shyok rivers." and called Xidagou () by China, is a river of the Indus River system in the Aksai Chin region disputed by China and India. It originates at the eastern edge of the Karakoram Range in Chinese-administered Aksai Chin, and flows west into Indian-administered Ladakh, just to the south of the highly contested Depsang Bulge. It debouches into the Shyok River near Sultan Chushku in Ladakh.
Geography
The Jeong Nala flows immediately to the south of the "Depsang Bulge", which remains a region of active contest between China and India as part of the Sino-Indian border dispute. Depsang Bulge houses the valley of the Burtsa Nala, which turns south near Murgo and merges with Jeong Nala shortly before the latter joins the Shyok River at Sultan Chushku (a campsite). The historical trans-Karakoram trade route crosses the Shyok River at Sultan Chushku and follows the valleys of Jeong Nala and Burtsa Nala towards Murgo. India's DS-DBO Road leading to Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) follows this historical route.
The Karakash River, just 10 km to the south of Jeong Nala, flows eastwards into the Tarim Basin, whereas Jeong Nala flows west into the Indus River system. China's Heweitan military base is situated on the bank of Karakash River, and exerts strategic control over the Jeong Nala valley.
The Tiankong Highway connecting Heweitan and Tianwendian bases passes through the Jeong valley. China also has constructed a motorable road in the Jeong valley, providing strategic access the Line of Actual Control with India.
References
Bibliography