The latest clash between Indian and Chinese troops — along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh‘s Tawang sector last week — has sparked a barrage of opposition attacks on the Centre. The matter is likely to be taken up in Parliament on Tuesday, where the Congress and other opposition parties are calling for a debate. The December 9 clash along the LAC is the first such incident after both countries lost their troops in 2020. The standoff over the June 2020 Galwan incident in Ladakh sector has been followed by several rounds of talks over the past three years.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge insisted on a debate in Parliament. “Soldiers of our Indian Army were again provoked by the Chinese. Our jawans fought resolutely and several of them were also injured. We stand with the nation on national security issues and would not like to politicize it.” But Modi Govt should be honest about China’s wrongdoings and construction at all points near LAC, from April 2020. Govt needs to gain confidence of nation by taking up this matter in Parliament,” Kharge said on Twitter.
“We are forever indebted to the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers,” he added. Not only Congress but also Lok Sabha MP Asadduddin Owaisi tweeted about the incident. “I have given notice of adjournment motion in Lok Sabha on Arunachal Pradesh’s clash with Chinese troops (sic),” he said.
“The news coming out of Arunachal Pradesh is disturbing and alarming. There was a major clash between Indian and Chinese troops and the government kept the country in the dark for days. Why was Parliament not informed when it was sitting?” he asked further. “The details of the incident are sketchy. What caused the clash? Were shots fired or was it like Galwan? How many soldiers were injured? What is their condition? Why can’t Parliament extend its public support for the troops to send a strong message to China?”
Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh also said they were trying to “wake up” the government about China’s actions on the border, but it was keeping quiet to “protect its political image”. According to an official army statement, “PLA (People’s Liberation Army of China) troops contacted the LAC in the Tawang sector, which was attacked by its own troops in a firm and decisive manner. This throw-in resulted in minor injuries to several staff on both sides.” The winter session of the parliament started last week.
