evidence: JOSHIMATH: Along an eight-km stretch in Barahoti village in Joshimath (Chamoli), near the border with China, district officials from the Indian side would every six months or so spread out to stamp the country's presence. They would leave behind newspapers, magazine covers, wrappers of biscuits to mark the territory as theirs. [...] Barahoti had begun emptying out around eight years ago. Ever since, district officials have been marking the territory at regular intervals, as strategic locations are thought to be vulnerable to claims by China. [...] ITBP sources said migration had led to a situation where claims were being made by the Chinese on Indian soil. They added that if villagers were to continue to visit Barahoti, even if only to offer prayers at a site considered sacred, the pond called Paravati Kund, then the team of officials would not need to visit.