(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan has built the world`s first main battle tank of the millennium in collaboration with China;
(b) if so, whether the shelling in Kargil by Pakistan troops on July 20, 2001 was an effort to demonstrate the capability of newly built tank;
(c) the details of recent shelling in Kargil; and
(d) the action taken to defuse the situation on Kargil sector and how the Government propose to counter new battle tank capability of Pakistan?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI JASWANT SINGH)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 430 FOR 22.8.2001.
No, Sir. It would not be accurate to so designate Pakistan`s plans to go in for a serial production of MBT-2000 Al-Khalid over the next few years, with Chinese assistance. A model of this tank based on the Chinese T-90-II tank was rolled out on 20th July 2001.
2. There is no connection between the planned production in Pakistan of these tanks and the reported shelling, in Kargil, by Pakistani troops on July 20, 2001. Terrain in Kargil sector does not permit deployment of tanks. During July, Pak troops have fired artillery mortars and small arms in the Kargil sector between 20th July and 27th July. The firing was effectively retaliated by our troops. The Pakistani firing did not cause any damage to civilian life or property. No casualties were suffered by the army.
3. The situation in Kargil as anywhere else on the Line of Control and the International Border continues to be closely monitored by our troops.
4. Modernisation and upgradation of equipment and armaments, including in regard to AFVs is a continuous process and all due care is taken in this respect.