Parliament Winter Session Highlights: India-China Clash In Arunachal In Focus

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Tuesday refused permission to opposition MPs to seek clarification on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statement on the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Arunchal Pradesh, saying clarifications are not allowed on sensitive issues.

Opposition parties led by the Congress, which stalled proceedings in the first hour of the session and thereafter raised slogans demanding a discussion on the border clashes, wanted to seek a number of clarifications after Singh made a statement in both houses of Parliament.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the parliament today to discuss the recent clash between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang.

"On 9th December the Chinese troops crossed the LAC. Our troops confronted them and there was an altercation and a scuffle. Our troops stood their ground and ensured that the Chinese troops do not enter our territory and also sent them back to their post on their side," Rajnath Singh said.

"I want to inform you all that not a single Indian soldier was killed in action or was even seriously injured during the overall incident. Our soldiers are motivated and reply with resolute force if/when required," he said. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said today that the Opposition parties stalled the proceedings of the parliament despite knowing that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will brief the House at 12 pm.

"The Opposition has stalled parliament yet again. They claim to do so over the military incidents that happened in Arunachal Pradesh in the last week. I was surprised when I saw this. When the Defence Minister has clearly said that he will address the parliament and inform all MPs about the developments that happened in Arunachal, then what was the need to stall the Parliament proceedings? It makes no sense," Mr Shah said.

"Then I saw the list of details to be discussed in parliament and it was clear why they are stalling parliament. The fifth thing on the list of things to be taken up in parliament today is the FCRA violations by the Rajiv Gandhi foundation. The Congress and like-minded allies gang up and stop the House whenever it is inconvenient to discuss matters such as these," he added.

The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 12 pm following protests by Opposition parties over the recent clash between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang. 

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 12 pm. Congress and other Opposition parties have demanded a discussion after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's address at 12 pm. 

Mr Singh will address Lok Sabha at 12 pm and Rajya Sabha at 12.30 pm. Ahead of the meeting, he will hold a high-level discussion with the military and diplomatic leadership. 

The Defence Minister will also meet the Prime Minister and his cabinet colleagues to craft the centre's response in Parliament. 

Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed the House on Monday that representations have been received seeking a reduction of GST rates on items like knives, spoons and water pump sets.

Upon a query on whether the government proposes to reduce GST slabs on aforesaid items, the Minister of State for Finance had said the GST rates and exemption were prescribed by the government, based only on the recommendations of GST Council, which is a constitutional body comprising members from Union and state governments. 

The Minister also mentioned so far, there is no such recommendation by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council.

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said the nation will always remain grateful to the "valiant martyrs" who laid down their lives in the 2001 Parliament attack.

Twenty-one years ago on December 13, terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) attacked the Parliament complex and opened fire, killing nine people.

"The nation pays homage to the valiant martyrs who laid down their lives while defending the Parliament against terrorist attack on this day in 2001. We will always remain grateful to the bravehearts for their courage and supreme sacrifice," the president tweeted.

The BJP led Central government has listed the 'Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022' and the 'New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2022' for the legislative business in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday for consideration and passage.

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda will move the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022 this afternoon to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Uttar Pradesh) Order, 1967, mentions Rajya Sabha revised list of business.

The Trinamool Congress today submitted notice in the Rajya Sabha asking Centre to issue a statement in the Parliament on the recent clash between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadda today served notice in the Rajya Sabha to move a motion for the suspension of business to discuss the recent India-China clash in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang.

Congress MP Manish Tewari today moved an adjournment notice in the Lok Sabha to discuss the recent India-China clash in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang.

"At least 6 of our soldiers have been reportedly injured and taken to Guwahati for treatment. There are also concerns about

major gaps in military deployment in certain border areas of Arunachal Pradesh," Mr Tewari said.

Floral tributes will be paid to those soldiers killed during the 2001 Parliament attacks at 10.30 am. The ceremony will be held at the plaque between Gate No 11 and 12 of the Parliament House.