These integrated model villages are being seen as an extension of Chinese PLA cantonments since there are no civilians living in these settlements located in close proximity to the Indo-China border

Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) has managed to construct appealing homes, recreational facilities and roads in the guise of civil infrastructure near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This is being seen as part of China's new warfare tactic to enhance its military network amid the military standoff with India in eastern Ladakh.

These integrated model villages are being seen as an extension of Chinese cantonments since there are no civilians living in these settlements located in close proximity to the Indo-China border.

Most such villages have been set up across Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim and seem to have come up in the aftermath of the 2017 Doklam standoff. With no population and enhanced infrastructure, these remote villages are now part of China's deception tactics.

In fact, new military storage bunkers have also been spotted at these settlements along with roads that are currently under construction. Usually, these villages also have reconnaissance towers.

China has already set up over two dozen such integrated villages in the eastern sector opposite Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Some of the villages established earlier have been connected using newly-constructed four-lane roads. Establishing such integrated villages in the forward areas could impart strategic advantage to the Chinese PLA.

In the wake of the border standoff, India is also now opening selective places near the LAC for tourists.