Rajnath Singh in Rajya Sabha: No Force in World can Stop Indian Forces from Patrolling on Ladakh Border

New Delhi: Amid tension in Eastern Ladakh region with China over LAC, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today briefed the Upper House.

Defence Minister said in Rajya Sabha, “No force in world can stop Indian forces from patrolling on Ladakh border.” He cautioned China that “The beginning of a war is in our hands but not its end. We will not bow our heads neither we wish the same for anyone else.”

Here are the highlights of Rajnath Singh’s address:

• China also claims approximately 90,000 sq. kms. of Indian territory in the Eastern Sector of the India-China boundary in Arunachal Pradesh
• On 15 June, Col Santosh Babu, along with his 19 brave soldiers, made the supreme sacrifice in Galwan Valley towards the cause of defending the territorial integrity of India. Our PM himself went to Ladakh to boost morale of forces
• China continues to be in illegal occupation of approx 38,000 sq. kms in the Union Territory of Ladakh. In addition, under the so-called Sino-Pakistan ‘Boundary Agreement’ of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. km. of Indian territory in PoK to China
• While our armed forces abide scrupulously by it, this has not been reciprocated by the Chinese side
• China, in last many decades undertook significant infrastructure construction activity to enhance their deployment capabilities in the border areas. Our Govt too has stepped up the budget for border infrastructure development to about double the previous levels
• Chinese actions reflect a disregard of our various bilateral agreements. The amassing of the troops by China goes against the 1993 & 1996 Agreements. Respecting and strictly observing Line of Actual Control is the basis for peace &tranquility in the border areas: Defence Minister
• Conduct of our armed forces throughout these incidents shows that while they maintained ‘Sayyam’ in face of provocative actions, they also equally displayed ‘Shaurya’ when required to protect territorial integrity of India

On Thursday, after Rajnath Singh’s address, Rajya Sabha Chairman, M. Venkaiah Naidu advised the Defence Minister to address the concerns of the members of the house to a private chambers and talk.