 "No encroachment by China on Indian soil, asserts Antony")
Union Defence Minister A K Antony made a statement on Friday in the Lok Sabha on the media reports about Chinese incursions, occupation of Indian territories.
The minister clarified that National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) chairman Shyam Saran had not said that China had occupied any part of India in the report.
"Shyam Saran's report has not said China has occupied any part of Indian territory," Antony asserted in the lower House, adding that NSAB report focused on border infrastructure and development.
His statement in Lok Sabha came amidst attack by opposition BJP and UPA ally Samajwadi Party members, who said a high-level committee of the government had reported that China had occupied 640 sq km of Indian territory in Ladakh sector.
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The members were not satisfied with Antony's statement and created uproar. While BJP members were on their feet, SP members trooped into the Well, creating din which led Speaker Meira Kumar to adjourn the House for an hour.
Antony said NASB chief Saran had visited Ladakh from August 2 to 9 and submitted a report on the border infrastructure there.
"I would like to categorically state that Saran has not stated in his report that China has occupied, or has denied access to India to any part of Indian territory. I would like to assure the House that there is no question of India ceding to China any part of Indian territory," Antony said.
He said the Government has taken "all necessary measures to safeguard India's security and would continue to strengthen our capabilities in border areas to protect our national interest."
The report by Saran, Antony said, focuses on border infrastructure but also deals with several aspects relating to the region covering a broad spectrum of activities and requirements.
He said Saran's report also deals with requirement of air facilities in Ladakh region along with matters relating to land acquisition and environmental and wildlife clearances.
Earlier, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said: "The government has nothing to hide, nothing to conceal. This is a matter of national interest, national importance. Everything will be made clear. As and when it is required we will discuss it."
BJP leader Prakash Javadekar attacked the government saying that it may maintain that nothing has happened but reports emanating from the border and the account by eyewitnesses say that "Indian Army is being prohibited from patrolling in areas inside the Line of Control on the Indian side".