No question of ceding any part of India to China: Antony

Says Shyam Saran had visited Ladakh from August 2 to 9 and gave a report on the border infrastructure

Rubbishing reports that China had occupied Indian territory in Ladakh, Defence Minister A K Antony on Friday asserted there was no question of ceding any part of the country and all steps were being taken to safeguard national security.

His statement in the Lok Sabha came amid attacks by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) ally Samajwadi Party (SP) members, who said a high-level panel of the government had reported that China had occupied 640 sq km in Ladakh.

The members created an uproar. While the BJP members were on their feet, SP members trooped into the Well, creating a din that led Speaker Meira Kumar to adjourn the House for an hour. Antony said National Security Advisory Board Chairman Shyam Saran had visited Ladakh from August 2 to 9 and gave a report on the border infrastructure there.

"I would like to categorically say Saran has not said in his report that China had occupied, or had denied access to any part of the Indian territory. I would like to assure the House that there is no question of India ceding to China any part of the Indian territory," Antony said.

He said the government had taken "all necessary measures to safeguard India's security and would continue to strengthen our capabilities in border areas to protect our national interest."

He said the report also dealt with the requirement of air facilities in Ladakh and matters relating to land acquisition and environmental and wildlife clearances.

"The report reviews the progress in development of border infrastructure required to ensure connectivity between Ladakh and neighbouring areas. Availability of modern machinery for construction and maintenance and upgradation of roads, tunneling and alternative alignments have been dealt with."

"Employment opportunities to local youth, tourism, mobile and internet connectivity, law and order, better equipment and facilities for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and certain grievances of locals have been covered."

Immediately after Antony had read the statement, SP members trooped in the Well and BJP ones were on their feet in protest, terming the contents as "incorrect".

The Speaker repeatedly told the members a discussion could be held if they gave a proper notice. "I have to follow the rules. Those say there will be no discussion."

In the din, BJP leader Yashwant Sinha and SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav tried to say something but could not be heard. As the protests continued, Kumar adjourned the House for over an hour. Earlier, Sinha, while demanding a statement on the issue said, "This is a serious matter of national security. We had demanded the defence minister make a statement on the Chinese incursions."

The SP chief also expressed concern over the issue and charged the government with being "coward" and "good for nothing". "For last 14 years, I have been saying inside and outside Parliament that China will attack India. It had betrayed Jawaharlal Nehru and this shock had led to his death. You discuss the issue of border security and we will be satisfied and not raise economic and price rise issues," he said.

Yadav said, "This government has no right to be in power. I have been defence minister. When the Chinese came one kilometre within our territory, we entered four kilometres into their territory. This government is coward and good for nothing." Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath assured the House that Antony will make a statement. "There is no doubt that the issue being raised is a serious matter. I wish to clarify to Mulayam Singh Yadav that neither is this government weak nor is it coward. A lot of rumours keep floating. "Government is not trying to hide anything or put it under wraps. I am confident that the Defence Minister's statement will convince you," he said. Earlier, SP members had trooped into the Well and pressed for a statement from Antony. BJP members also raised the issue from their seats.

When the House reassembled, BJP and SP members created uproar over the Defence Minister's statement. Some members including Yashwant Sinha (BJP) wanted to speak on the issue but was not allowed. In the prevailing chaos, a member rose to speak on Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Bill, 2012. However, as the din continued, the House was adjourned till 3 PM.