New Delhi: National Security Advisory Board chief Shyam Saran denied media reports about Chinese incursions along the Line of Actual Control on Thursday. According to media reports an official NSAB probe report submitted to the Prime Minister's Office had said that Indian troops are not being allowed to patrol the LAC.
The committee in its alleged report concluded that 640 square km of Indian territory has been occupied by China. BJP leader Yashwant Sinha on Thursday sought a statement from Defence Minister AK Antony who will speak in Parliament on Friday.
"Parliament is unaware of this... The Defence Minister should be called immediately to the House and he should clarify on the issue. There should be a debate in the House," Sinha said. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said the government understands the seriousness of the matter but cannot make a statement immediately. "I will request the defence minister to make a statement," he said.
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said he is not aware about the report's "factual assessment" but whatever it has produced will be examined very carefully. "It has come from somebody who is held in high esteem and somebody who within the system is very important," he said.
Referring to recent landing of Super Hercules aircraft by IAF at Daulat Beg Oldie, which had seen incursions by the Chinese Army, Khurshid said India is "alert and equipped" and the government would not be found wanting in protecting the country's sovereignty.
The team, headed by Shyam Saran, reportedly visited Ladakh between August 2 and 9 to review the border infrastructure development and the situation there. It is believed to have said that Chinese troops have built motorable roads inside the LAC perceived by India in Daulat Beg Oldie and other sectors in Ladakh and that patrolling by Indian troops was being prevented, sources said.
(With additional information from PTI)
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