Question : BREACH OF C.B.M. BY CHINA .

(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned “A Chinese road into India that New Delhi doesn’t see”—First major breach of confidence building measures appearing in the ‘Times of India’ dated November 21, 2000;

(b) whether China has constructed a road inside Indian Territory across the Line of control in Ladakh;

(c) whether the Government has lodged any protest with China or UNO; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government to protect the Indian territory from neighbouring countries? ANSWER

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)
(a) to (d): A Statement is attached.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2958 FOR 7.12.2000
Government’s attention has been drawn to the news-item appearing in The Times of India dated 21st November, 2000 under the caption “First major breach of Confidence Building Measures - A Chinese road into India that New Delhi doesn’t see”.
2. India and China have differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Pangong Tso area (Ladakh) as in some other areas on the India-China boundary. Since last several years, the two sides have been involved in clarifying the LAC. Pending clarification of the LAC, both India and China have been carrying out normal border management activities including patrolling upto their respective perception of the LAC in the area. The Chinese have recently developed a track on the Northern Bank of Pangong Tso in Ladakh and the same is extended upto their perception of LAC in the area.
3. We have lodged protests with the Chinese side against their activities in the Pangong Tso on a number of occasions at local levels through the established mechanisms of Flag Meetings/Border Personnel Meeting and also through diplomatic channels. The matter was also taken up with the Chinese during the 8th meeting of the India-China Expert Group of Diplomatic and Military Officials held in Beijing on 13th - 14th November, 2000. In response, the Chinese always maintained that their activities were restricted to their side of the LAC and also made counter protest against our activities in the area.
4. The situation in the Pangong Tso area (Ladakh) has been generally peaceful and is under control. Both sides try to resolve local disputes through the mechanisms of Flag Meetings/Border Personnel Meetings as part of the Confidence Building Measures in place between the two countries so as to ensure peace and tranquillity in the area.
5. We are also taking appropriate steps to improve and develop infrastructure on our side, including development of tracks.
6. India and China have been discussing the boundary question in the framework of India-China Joint Working Group and the India-China Expert Group of Diplomatic and Military Officials with the objective of seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question through dialogue. Government also keeps constant vigil and takes appropriate measures to ensure sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India.