Several Congress leaders are set to move adjournment notices in both Houses of Parliament
New Delhi:
Indian soldiers repulsed an attempt by Chinese forces to "unilaterally change the status quo" in Arunachal Pradesh by transgressing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tawang last week, the government said in parliament today.
Here are the 10 latest developments in this big story:
In a statement in both houses, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the Indian soldiers prevented the Chinese from making a landgrab in Arunachal Pradesh and "compelled the Chinese troops to return to their posts".
China has said the situation was "stable". "As far as we understand, the China-India border situation is stable overall," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, adding that the two sides "maintained unobstructed dialogue on the border issue through diplomatic and military channels."
No soldier was killed or seriously injured in the clash between Indian and Chinese troops on December 9, said Mr Singh. The government, he said, had spoken to China through diplomatic channels soon after the border clash. "Our forces are ready to meet any challenge on the border," he stressed.
The minister said the Army had "bravely prevented" the PLA from transgressing into our territory and "compelled them to return to their posts". "The scuffle led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides. I wish to share with this House that there are no fatalities or serious casualties on our side," he said.
Rajnath Singh's statement did not silence the opposition parties, who walked out in protest. The Opposition said it was not satisfied with just a statement and wanted a discussion on the crucial border issue. Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil told NDTV that the "attitude" of the government to avoid a discussion is not right.
Many parties demanded that all other parliament business be on hold for a threadbare discussion on the India-China border issue. Speaking to NDTV, RJD's Manoj Jha said the government's diplomacy is in "denial mode". AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he is "scared" over the China issue, and accused the government of lying.
Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of disrupting proceedings as a question on Rajiv Gandhi Foundation was listed for today.
Ahead of the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met the military and diplomatic leadership. He also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers to discuss the centre's response in Parliament.
The Congress has launched an all-out attack on the government. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "We are one with the nation on the issues of national security and would not like to politicise it. But the Modi government should be honest about the Chinese transgressions and the construction at all points near the LAC since April 2020."
Ties between India and China nosedived following a fierce clash at Galwan Valley in Ladakh in 2020 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. China has acknowledged that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed, but it is widely believed that the death count was higher.
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