Chinese incursions into India figures in Lok Sabha

The issue of repeated Chinese incursions into India was raised in the Lok Sabha today with a BJP member pressing for upgradation of infrastructure in the border areas.

Raising the issue in Zero Hour, Bijoya Chakraborty (BJP) said four outposts near Tazo in Arunachal Pradesh were occupied by the Chinese Army from August 10 to 16.

She claimed the government was not aware of the incursion till the time Indo-Tibetan Border Police came to know of this incident after five days when the local people brought the matter to their notice.

Chakraborty said since there are no roads, troops have to walk for nearly 105 km to reach the area.

"But, on the other side in China, they have got air-strip, they have got good roads and they have got everything. On the Indian side, our Army has to walk miles with all the load," she said.

Sharad Yadav (JD-U) demanded an immediate ban on spot trading and said if it is done the state of economy would improve.

Raghuvansh Prasad Singh (RJD) said Bihar has been facing twin problems of drought and floods and the government was not doing much to protect the interests of farmers and the poor.

Satpal Maharaj (Cong) highlighted the problems faced by the people of Uttarakhand in the aftermath of flash floods.

"Soon, there will be snow in the region. People are living in the open. Therefore, there is a need to provide them with adequate facilities, including kerosene, ration and shelter," he said.

Panna Lal Punia (Cong) said the SC, ST Reservation (Post and Reservation) Bill was passed in Rajya Sabha in 2008, but is still pending in the Lok Sabha. He said there was need to pass the bill in the lower house to make it into a law.