New Delhi: Continuing its sharp attack on Modi government over Chinese incursions into the Indian land, the Indian National Congress (INC) released a video dated November 19, 2019 of a BJP legislator, speaking in floor of the lower house, claiming China encroached upto 50-60 kms of land in Arunachal Pradesh.
According to reports, the video is of BJP MP Tapir Gao speaking in Lok Sabha over China's border claims. The video was a reply to government's 'denial' over the reports suggesting the intrusion of Chinese troops in Ladakh region.
"Ever since reports about Chinese transgressions into Indian territory emerged, BJP-led NDA government has been walking the extra mile to downplay those reports and try to obfuscate facts on the ground," said Congress MP Manish Tewari, during a virtual press conference.
He further said, "While we do know something with regard to Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso lake, hot springs area in Western sector and with regard to Chinese intrusion in Naku la in Central sector, facts continue to remain opaque on the Eastern sector which is perhaps most disputed."
He also quoted Tapir Gao's statement which he had given during an interview, claiming that the People's Liberation Army (PLA), on both sides of the Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, have occupied territory on Indian side of the McMahon Line.
"According to him, the Army has set up another base called new Majha, deeper in Indian territory. This is not the first time that Mr Tapir Hai has made such revelations," said Tewari.
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Gaurav Gogoi, who is a Congress MP from Assam, cautioned the government to be more vigilant in the northeast and the borders, saying that "We cannot have a Doklam in Ladakh."
"China needs a strong response from India and regular dialogues won't work. Despite all meetings, Chinese launched a strong premeditated attack. China learned one thing from Doklam episode that Modi government is willing to settle for a military disengagement," asserted Gogoi.
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Urging the Government not to look at the happenings in Arunachal Pradesh or Ladakh as isolated incidents he suggested, "These are grand designs of China and this needs to be responded strongly. They need to look at other forms of leverage like trade to have a successful negotiation."
Congress also appealed to the government to call for a special session of parliament to discuss about the Indo-China standoff.
"If Nepal can pass a bill for their map, why can't we discuss the issue of national security and integrity in the Parliament while maintaining all social distancing norms," said Gogoi.
Responding over the attack of BJP President JP Nadda, Tewari said that being a responsible opposition party, Congress is highlighting the pattern of Chinese army and their encroachment upon Indian territory across LAC.
"If BJP calls it 'anti-nationalism' then they should apologise for what they had done from 2004 till 2014," said the Congress MP.
The recent Galwan valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh claimed 20 lives of Indian Army personnel. These are the first casualties suffered by either army since 1975 when an Indian patrol was ambushed by the Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh.
The latest attack took place after the Brigade and Company commander-level talks happened in eastern Ladakh between the two militaries. Security establishment officials have maintained that the Chinese PLA provoked the skirmishes by establishing posts in the Indian territory.
