RS members angry over China objecting to Ladakh border road

Members in the Rajya Sabha today took strong exception to halting of work at Ladakh border road because of Chinese objection and said it was "humiliating" and a "challenge to India's sovereignty". Raising the issue in Zero Hour, Shreegopal Vyas (BJP) said, "It is very humiliating and a challenge to India's sovereignty."

Noting that 35 members in Lok Sabha have conveyed their concern to the government over the issue, he sought to know why Indian Army did not respond when the Chinese forces intruded into Indian territory to stop the construction and beat up workers.

He also demanded that the Chinese delegation coming to India should be told about the country's concern over the issue and that India would not tolerate any interference.

Vyas sought steps by the government in accordance with the country's sovereignty and expressed concern over the official response on the issue. Even if China considers the border as disputed, India should know its border delineation, he said.

Birendra Prasad Baishya (AGP) said that the North-Eastern region is under "great threat" due to Chinese actions and sought "special measures" by the Centre to tackle the problem.

He said, "China is trying to divert river Brahmaputra at the source. They have also constructed dams. This was also tracked by National Remote Sensing Agency. Brahmaputra is the life-line of Assam. Without Brahmaputra, we cannot survive."

While Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took up the issue with Chinese premiere Wen Jiabao during the recent ASEAN meeting, India should raise the matter at international forum, he said. His colleague Kumar Dipak Das was also concerned.