As the Ladakh crisis lingered on and the onset of winter loomed, Indian troops dug in their heels for the long haul. When even the political engagement failed to break the impasse, it was unlikely that the repeated rounds of military talks would do much; except ensure that there was no further violence. Since India still does not have all weather road connectivity to Ladakh, the closing of the two passes Rohtang (Himachal-Ladakh) and Zoji la (Kashmir-Ladakh) was looming,