Cong questions involvement of Chinese firm in J-K meter installation project

The Indian National Congress (INC) on Tuesday questioned the indirect involvement of Chinese firm, Dongfang, in meter installation project across Jammu and Kashmir. Congress also cautioned about the threat of cyber attack, complete blackout or data theft in the valley.

New Delhi: The Congress party accused the Central Government of allowing a Chinese company, Dongfang, to indirectly handle the meter installation project in Jammu and Kashmir, despite government's claims of barring Chinese companies from Indian projects.

"What is the compulsion?" asked Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera while addressing the press conference. He also alleged that Dongfang has also worked in Pakistan and has a "direct control" of the Chinese government.

He said, "This company is active in many countries. It has a special relationship with Pakistan. It is not only under the direct control of Chinese government and it's Army, but the World Bank has also imposed a ban on it, last year, due to the allegations of corruption imposed upon it."

Dongfang had worked in Pakistan's Nandipur power project and is known for making software and hardware for Radio Frequency Technology. Khera further alleged, "The Government has facilitated the back-door entry of the Chinese company for such a sensitive work in Jammu and Kashmir."

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Dongfang has to install 1 lakh smart meters in Jammu and 1 lakh in Srinagar. Congress cautioned about the threat of cyber attack, complete blackout or data theft in J-K.

"Diplomacy and Trade are two tools which 2 countries use to cement their relations but that doesn't mean we compromise with our strategic interests," he said.

While raising question over the decision of Center, Khera said, "We want to know from PM Modi, why a controversial Chinese company is being allowed to come up in the border states in a strategically important area like energy?"

"We want to know that when on one hand, apps related to China are being banned, then why on the other hand, important data of citizens of Jammu and Kashmir is being handed over to the hands of a Chinese company?" he added.