Besides Pak, BJP Govt. seems scared from China as well: Congress

Taking cognizance of the seriousness of China's incursion in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government's silence on this issue indicates they are scared from China, just as they are scared from Pakistan.

"If the Chinese are encroaching our borders and has occupied the land, then it is a matter of great concern. The BJP Government is already scared from the government of Pakistan and now it seems to be scared even from China," he said.

"The Chinese are doing this deliberately. They even betrayed India during the NSG talks. The matter should be passed and the Defence Minister should make a statement in the forum in the House of Parliament."

Echoing similar sentiments, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the BJP government over this issue and said, "Whatever incursions are taking place on the border, whether it is of Pakistan or China, if the Government will be silent on every issue it will create a bad impression among the people of the country."

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added that he had always talked about his success of creating a good impression with other nations, but it seemed like everyone was turning their backs on India.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, today confirmed an incursion by Chinese troops into Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

"The state revenue authorities were there for mapping of our land and they noticed their presence. Earlier, there were sporadic incidents, but this time it is happening at a larger scale. However, I think that there is nothing to be alarmed as the activities were noticed in Chinese territory," Rawat told ANI.

When asked if the Government of India should take strong action, the chief minister said, "The Government of India is alert and will take necessary measures at the right time."

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said appropriate action would be initiated after going through a detailed report in this regard.

"The Indo Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) personnel are monitoring the border area. We need to assess the extent of intrusion. We will seek a detailed report and then see what is to be done," Rijiju told media persons outside the Parliament.

However, later in the day Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, made a somersault saying there is an increase in the number of Chinese troops along the Indian border, but ruled out any incursion into Indian territory.

Uttarakhand shares a 350 kilometer long boundary with China and similar attempts at Chinese incursions have been reported in the past.

The last reported Chinese incursion in the state was when the word 'China' was inscribed on rocks near Mana Pass in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.