India "Watching" Chinese Across Line Of Actual Control, Says Defence Minister
Dated 21/11/2007
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The perceptions of Line of Actual Control (LAC) of both India and China overlaps at many places on India-China border. From time to time, on account of differences in the perception of the LAC, situations have arisen on the ground that could have been avoided if we had a common perception of the LAC.
In order to address this issue, the matter has been taken up at appropriate levels in the Government. The two sides have signed the Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the line of Actual Control in 1993, Agreement on Confidence Building Measures (CBM) in the Military Field in 1996, Protocol on Modalities for the implementation of CBMs in Military Field along the LAC in the India-China Border Areas, in 2005 and memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2006. As a follow up to this MoU, the Annual Defence Dialogue between the two sides was held at Beijing during 12-13 November 2007.
Government regularly takes up such perceived violations along the LAC with the Chinese side through established mechanisms set up under these Agreements / Protocol including the Joint Working Group, the Expert Group border personnel meetings, flag meetings and normal diplomatic channels. Mechanism to address instances of intrusions along the LAC and well established. Peace and tranquility has been maintained on the border areas.
Government of India keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it. Furthermore, various Government agencies involved in the issue do not have differing perceptions on the issue.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Ms Mabel Rebello and Shri Santosh Bagrodia in Rajya Sabha today.
