Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday told the Rajya Sabha that the “violent” conduct of Chinese forces in Ladakh violated all norms and agreements between the two nations. He acknowledged the country was going through a challenge with the Ladakh situation.
"China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 sq. kms in the Union territory of Ladakh. In addition, under the so-called Sino-Pakistan 'Boundary Agreement' of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. km. of Indian territory in PoK to China," Rajnath was quoted as saying by ANI.
Rajnath noted that since May, China has made several attempts to transgress across the Line of Actual Control including at Kongkla and Pangong Tso, which the Indian forces were able to repulse. Rajnath noted India soldiers "showed caution where it was needed and valour where it was needed".
Rajnath declared no one should have any doubt about India's determination to protect its territorial integrity. Rajnath noted India was continuing diplomatic and military talks with China. Rajnath declared, despite the talks, there was a difference between China's statements and its actions. Rajnath cited the standoff at Pangong Tso on August 29/30 as an example of this.
Rajnath said India had made counter-deployments in areas such as Pangong, Gogra and Kongkla after China deployed forces there. Rajnath noted he could not go into details of the operations in the area given sensitivities of the situation there.
He said the government's focus on border infrastructure development had helped the armed forces rapidly deploy personnel and equipment to the region.
Economic Times had reported that the government had informed opposition leaders it would not hold discussions on the Ladakh situation in Parliament.
Rajnath was among government ministers who met opposition floor leaders on Wednesday. Economic Times reported, "Sources said government underlined that Singh 'will make a statement on the LAC issue and members can seek some clarifications as is customary in the Rajya Sabha, but no resolution or short-duration discussion will take place as the issue involves India’s security'. All parties agreed to the proposal, the sources added."
Two days ago, Rajnath told the Lok Sabha that the Indian armed forces were ready to deal with "all contingencies" on the Line of Actual Control.
Rajnath had told the Lok Sabha that Beijing had been very clearly told any attempt to "unilaterally" change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control is not at all acceptable, and that India's armed forces were ready to deal with "all contingencies" in the high-altitude region.
