Statement of the Shri Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary (Communication): A fresh video showing Indian shepherds in a confrontation with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) exposes the hollowness of the Modi government’s claims of stability at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Shot in January 2024, the video shows PLA troops accompanied by an armoured vehicle harassing and blocking shepherds’ access to grazing areas near Patrolling Points 35 and 36 in the Chushul sector that lie well within India’s claim line. Indian authorities have reportedly asked the shepherds not to return to the area.

For four years, the Modi government has tried to cover up the worst territorial setback in six decades for India with its DDLJ approach: Deny, Distract, Lie and Justify. Chinese troops continue to deny Indian patrols access to the strategic Depsang Plains, Demchok and other areas in eastern Ladakh. China continues to deny us access to 2,000 square kilometres despite 18 rounds of military talks.

PM Modi has not only failed to restore the status quo in Ladakh in four years. He has also stood by as China increases its stranglehold on Bhutanese territory in the past six years, despite hollow claims of an Indian victory in Doklam in 2017, which poses a major threat to India’s Siliguri Corridor, also referred to as the Chicken’s Neck. China continues to make inroads into Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives, to which India is responding with social media campaigns and the banning of Chinese apps. The Congress Party will continue its fight for NYAY for our Jawans through the Jay Jawan campaign. It will also strive for NYAY for our displaced shepherds.

The PM must take the people of India into confidence and explain to them how and when the status quo will be restored. And if he is unable to do so, the next government will have to take on this challenge. Wednesday, January 31, 2024