In the wake of allegations of Chinese intrusions into Indian territory in Ladakh and Uttarakhand, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. In a tweet, Gandhi stated, “China + Pakistan + Mr 56 = Increase in Chinese control of Indian territory.” He referred to Modi’s assertion that he had a “56-inch chest” that would shield India from any attack at an election rally.
Gandhi also shared a photo of Indian Army Chief MM Naravane declaring that the surge in Chinese army deployment in the eastern Ladakh area was a source of concern for the armed forces. Naravane stated on Saturday that the deployment of Chinese troops in the east of Ladakh and the northern front, all the way up to India’s eastern command, had increased significantly.
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The Indian Army Chief was in eastern Ladakh for a two-day tour to assess India’s operational readiness along the Line of Actual Control. Since their forces fought in Galwan Valley in east Ladakh in June last year, India and China have been stuck in a border stalemate. The conflict resulted in the deaths of twenty Indian troops. The number of casualties on China’s side was reported at four.
According to a report published last week, more than 100 Chinese forces crossed into Indian territory on August 30 over the Barahoti mountain in Uttarakhand. According to reports, the troops crossed into Indian territory and damaged a bridge in the region. The Indian government has yet to provide an official remark on the suspected border crossing in Barahoti.
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However, on Thursday, Arindam Bagchi, a spokeswoman for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said that China’s military’s “provocative behaviour” and “unilateral attempts” to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh had disrupted regional peace. He was reacting to China’s claim on Wednesday that India’s “forward strategy” and “illegal” encroachment on Chinese land was the “main cause” of tensions between the two countries.
The Indian Army and Foreign Ministry made their statements as the two countries resolved tensions along the Ladakh border. In February, India and China retreated from the Pangong Tso Lake in eastern Ladakh. Both countries decided to depart from Gogra after commander-level negotiations on July 31.
