Defence Minister AK Antony speaking in Parliament on reports of Chinese incursion
Defence Minister AK Antony today rubbished reports that Chinese troops had in April this year occupied 640 sq km of Indian territory near the border in north-east Ladakh and assured Parliament that "there is no question of India ceding to China any part of Indian territory." (
Read full statement here)
"This government keeps a constant watch on India's security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it...it will do all to protect India's integrity," Mr Antony said.
The minister made a statement in Lok Sabha after media reports alleged that the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) headed by former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran had reported after a visit to Ladakh that Indian troops are cut off from the border and are being prevented by the Chinese army from patrolling near Daulat Beg, where India has built one of the world's highest landing strips.
Mr Antony said the NSAB report made no mention of a Chinese incursion. "Shyam Saran's report has not said China has occupied, or has denied access to any part of Indian territory," he asserted; the report focuses on border infrastructure and development, he said.
There was chaos after the statement, as opposition and Samajwadi Party MPs demanded more answers from the Defence Minister, forcing the House to adjourn for some time. Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, who lends crucial support to the ruling UPA, had earlier said angrily, "This government is useless. Are you prepared to tackle China?"
In April, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police or ITBP, which patrols the border with China had told the government that 640 square km in Rakinala in north-east Ladakh had been inaccessible to Indian troops because of a large incursion by the Chinese army. Several dozen Chinese soldiers had set up a remote camp 18-19 km inside Indian territory at Daulat Beg Oldie.
The ITBP reported that they had resumed patrolling the area after Chinese troops withdrew.