New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday addressed the Rajya Sabha on the China border crisis and said no power on earth can stop the Indian Army from patrolling.
On a question by the opposition that the Chinese are not allowing Indian soldiers to patrol traditional posts, he said, “That is the reason for our fight with China.”
He assured the opposition members that there would be no change in patrolling patterns in eastern Ladakh, the site of the dispute.
Singh was responding to Congress leader AK Antony’s comment on Indian soldiers being pushed back from traditional patrolling points.
“The patrolling pattern is traditional and well-defined. No power on earth can stop Indian soldiers from patrolling,” Defence Minister said.
On Tuesday, minister had addressed to the Lok Sabhaon the LAC crisis.
“India and China border issue remains unresolved. Till now, there has been no mutually acceptable solution. China disagrees on the border,” he had said.
He said, “China doesn’t recognise the traditional and customary alignment of the boundary. We consider that this alignment is based on well-established geographical principals.”
“Both India and China agree that to maintain peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas, it is essential for the further development of bilateral relations,” Rajnath Singh said.
“We have told China through diplomatic channels that the attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo were in violation of the bilateral agreements,” he said.
“Violent conduct of Chinese troops is a violation of all past agreements. Our troops have done counter deployments in the area to safeguard our borders,” the minister said.
“China has mobilised a huge number of Army battalions and armaments along LAC and inner areas. There’re many friction points in eastern Ladakh, Gogra, Kongka La, Pangong Lake’s north and south banks. Indian Army has made counter deployments in these areas,” Rajnath Singh said.
