(a) whether he visited North East, to assess the situation on the reported intrusions by the Peoples’ Liberation Army in Arunachal Pradesh recently;
(b) if so, the extent to which the statement made by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh in this regard was found correct;
(c) the findings of the visit after consultations with the Chief Minister of the State;
(d) the details of pending disputes between India and China; and
(e) the steps being taken to resolve those disputes?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)
(a) to (e): A Statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 840 FOR 23.11.2000
Raksha Mantri visited Arunachal Pradesh in the last week
of October, 2000. The focus of the visit was on the monitoring
of the progress of construction of certain roads in Arunachal
Pradesh.
2. The resolution of boundary question between India and
China is outstanding. The two sides have also differences in
the perception of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the
border areas, including Arunachal Pradesh. Both sides carry
out patrolling activities as per their respective perception of
the alignment of the LAC. Violations of the LAC are taken up
by both sides through diplomatic channels and Border Personnel
Meetings/Flag Meetings.
3. The Chinese activities along our Northern borders in
Arunachal Pradesh have been routine in nature and the situation
along the border is normal. Suitable mechanisms exist at the
ground level where the two sides can raise and resolve issues
of local nature.
4. The recent statements of the Chief Minister of Arunachal
Pradesh on the subject need to be viewed in the above context.
5. 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.
Both sides have reiterated the objective of seeking a fair,
reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary
question through dialogues. Further, the Agreement on
Maintenance of Peace and Tranquillity along the LAC in the
India-China Border Areas (1993) and the Agreement on Confidence
Building Measures in the Military Field along the LAC in the
India-China Border Areas (1996) provide an institutional
framework for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the
India-China border areas.