Student activists in Coimbatore protest against Chinese incursion

Coimbatore, Sep 19 (ANI): Activists of a right wing students union staged a demonstration Coimbatore against the alleged incursions by the Chinese army into Indian territory.

Activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad or All India Student’s Council gathered in Coimbatore city headquarters with banners and placards and demanded central government to take steps to protect the country from Chinese aggression.

” We request the central government and Tamil Nadu government to take important steps against China to protect our nation,” said Saravanan, a protestor.

Officials sources have said that Chinese troops entered nearly 1.5 kilometres into the Indian territory near Mount Gya, which is recognised as the international border by India and China, and painted the word ‘China’ in Cantonese on the boulders and rocks there with red spray paint. The incursions were reported from the area generally referred in the Chumar sector in east of Leh.

The 22,420 ft Mount Gya, also known as “fair princess of snow” by the Army is located at the tri-junction of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, and Tibet. Its boundary was marked during the British era and is regarded as International border by the two countries.

The border patrol discovered the red paint markings on various rocks and boulders along the Zulung La (pass) on July 31 and the Chinese had entered into the area and written “China” all over the place, the sources said.

Indian soldiers later erased the text, writing ‘India’ instead. (ANI)

India, China must resolve border issues to ensure peace: Krishna

Istanbul, Sept 19 (ANI): For peace to prevail along the Sino-Indian border, all boundary issues need to be resolved in right earnest, External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna said in an exclusive interview to ANI here on Friday.

“Thirteen rounds of talks have been held by special representatives representing the Indian Government and the Chinese Government. It is in the larger interest of both, China and India, that these boundary issues will have to be settled so that peace and tranquillity on Indo-China border is maintained,” Krishna said.

On the issue of incursions, Krishna said it has been diplomatically taken up with the concerned Chinese authorities.

“We have taken it up diplomatically with the Chinese authorities. I think it can be sorted out,” he added.

The Indian media had reported that two soldiers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were injured in firing from across the border on the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, part of which China claims as its territory.

India, however, had denied that two of its border guards were injured in firing by Chinese forces.

China claims about 90,000 square kilometers of Arunachal Pradesh along their border as part of its territory.

India and China fought a short war in 1962 and, despite burgeoning trade in recent years, mistrust remains. Both sides jostle for resources and influence as they seek a global role.

This year, the two countries have faced off at multi-lateral forums, including Chinese objections to a 60 million dollars Asian Development Bank loan for a project in Arunachal Pradesh. By Ravi Shankar (ANI)

No increase in Chinese incursions: Army Chief

Chennai, Sep 19 (ANI): Chief of Army staff General Deepak Kapoor said on Saturday that there has been no increase in Chinese incursions along the Sino- Indian border.

“I would say that the Prime Minister made a statement yesterday itself that there has not been any more incursions. The number of incursions is at the same level as last year so there is no cause of worry,” General Kapoor told reporters here.

” I would request the media to maintain restrain and not outplay the issue,” he added.

Commenting on the Pakistani infiltration along the Line of Control (LoC) General Kapoor said: “There have been ceasefire violations, but we have a mechanism in place where the issue is addressed immediately with a hotline functioning on both sides. Also, border personnel meetings are held where the issue is resolved.”

He confirmed that the reports of infiltration along the LoC and international border (IB) were correct, but added that Indian forces are well deployed to keep infiltration under check.

On Friday Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India had a very long border with China and he had no information about anything serious happening there.

Regarding a media report on Chinese incursions he said, the government information system may be faulty and that could be the reason for the media playing up reports of incursions. The lacunae would be rectified soon, he added.

He also said the Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan had met National Security Adviser M K Narayanan and had discussions about the situation prevailing along the border. (ANI)

Chinese envoy meets MEA officials

New Delhi, Sep 18 (ANI): Amid media reports of rising tensions between New Delhi and Beijing, Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang Yan met officials of Ministry of External Affairs in South Block on Thursday, sources have said.

The Chinese Ambassador reportedly sought the meeting and no demarche or summon was issued by the Indian Foreign Ministry.

Highly placed sources maintained that the meeting was a “Routine call” and it had nothing to do with the recent media reports of Chinese incursions and Dalai Lama’s proposed visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

Ambassador Zhang reportedly met Joint Secretary (East Asia) Vijay Keshav Gokhale to discuss Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jeichi forthcoming visit to India.

When contacted Chinese Embassy officials did not divulge the details of the meeting and neither confirmed that any such meeting had taken place.

Both Indian and Chinese officials maintained that there is no escalation of tension on the border, and alleged media for playing up the issue.

Chinese Ambassador met MEA official on day when a proposed meeting of the Chinese Working Group under the leadership of the National Security was reportedly called off. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)

NSA to convene China Study Group meeting to discuss incursion fallout

New Delhi, Sep.17 (ANI): National Security Advisor M K Narayanan will hold a meeting of the China Study Group – consisting of top officials including Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar and Secretaries of Defence, Home and Foreign Ministries – here today.

The meeting is expected to take stock of the situation along the Sino-India border, official sources said.

Besides Chandrasekhar, the meeting will be attended by Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar, Home Secretary G K Pillai and Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.

Top officials of the three armed forces and the Intelligence Bureau will also attend the meeting.

The meeting assumes significance in wake of recent reports of incursions by the Chinese army in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, involving the air dropping of expired food canes, painting of rocks red among others.

Another media report said that two Chinese Sukhoi fighters had transgressed into Indian air space last month.

The Indian Air Force, however, says no unscheduled flight inside Indian air space had taken place last month. (ANI)

‘Chinese aggression indicates Beijing’s nervousness over India’s rise’

New Delhi, Sep. 16 (ANI): A US think-tank has said that China’s recent aggression on Indian border is direct result of Beijing’s “nervousness over India’s rise.”

“Well, I think China is becoming increasingly nervous about India’s rise. It’s something that they have to deal with that perhaps 10-15 years ago they didn’t believe was something that was necessary to focus on.

We saw this when they to tried scuttle at the last minute, the civil nuclear deal at the Nuclear Supplier Group meeting last year and so that was sort of an indication that China is not completely comfortable with India’s rise on the world stage,” said Lisa Curtis of the Heritage Foundation, US.

Recently, two soldiers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were reportedly injured in firing from across the border on the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh.

New Delhi, however, denied that two of its border guards were injured in firing by Chinese forces.

Curtis said both the sides were mutually mistrustful of each other on the border issue.

“The border issue has lingered for a long time and I think both sides created mistrust on both sides. Perhaps since China is dealing with its internal issue, it has not been interested in completely resolving the border issue but that said. I do not think so either side is interested in any kind of conflict. But I do not see the negotiation moving forward either,” Curtis said.

India and China fought a short war in 1962 and, despite burgeoning trade in recent years, mistrust remains.

The two countries have faced off at multi-lateral forums, including Chinese objections to a 60 million dollar Asian Development Bank loan for a project in Arunachal Pradesh.

Reports of Chinese “incursions” have become more frequent of late.

India has begun modernising its border roads and moved a squadron of strike aircraft close to the China border. (ANI)

Chinese incursions result of lack of demarcation, say villagers

Changla Gaon (Arunachal Pradesh), Sep 16 (ANI): Villagers living along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh said on Wednesday that Chinese incursions were a result of lack of border demarcation.

Indian media had reported that two soldiers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were injured in firing from across the border on the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, part of which China claims as its territory.

India on Tuesday, however, denied that two of its border guards were injured in firing by Chinese forces.

“They (Chinese troops) come here and Indian government is helpless…we have protection from Indian government but since the areas are not demarcated therefore it is difficult to make out,” said Soya Ama, a resident of Changla Gaon village in Anjaw district of the state.

Apprehending more Chinese incursions, another villager appealed to Indian government to advance troops from their village to borders.

“We appeal to Indian government and army that they should advance towards border from our locality. Presently they are in our village and we face lot of problem because of that. We face lot of threat from China,” said Anjita Kri, another resident.

China claims about 90,000 sq km of Arunachal Pradesh along their border as part of its territory.

India and China fought a short war in 1962 and, despite burgeoning trade in recent years, mistrust remains. Both sides jostle for resources and influence as they seek a global role.

This year, the two countries have faced off at multi-lateral forums, including Chinese objections to a $60 million Asian Development Bank loan for a project in Arunachal Pradesh.

Indian media have repeatedly reported “incursions” by Chinese soldiers patrolling the 3,500-km (2,200-mile) border, disputed at various stretches.

In response, India has begun modernising its border roads and moved a squadron of strike aircraft close to the China border.

Arunachal Governor J.J. Singh said in June up to 30,000 new troops would be deployed in the area, which has a substantial Buddhist population. (ANI)

NSA to convene China Study Group meeting to discuss incursion fallout

New Delhi, Sep.16 (ANI): National Security Advisor M K Narayanan will hold a meeting of the China Study Group – consisting of top officials including Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar and Secretaries of Defence, Home and Foreign Ministries – on Thursday (September 17).

The meeting is expected to take stock of the situation along the Sino-India border, official sources said.

Besides Chandrasekhar, the meeting will be attended by Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar, Home Secretary G K Pillai, oreign Secretary Nirupama Rao. Top officials of the three armed forces and the Intelligence Bureau will also attend the meeting.

The meeting assumes significance in wake of recent reports of incursions by the Chinese army in Ladakh,Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, involving the air dropping of expired food canes, painting of rocks red among others.

Another media report said that two Chinese Sukhoi fighters had transgressed into Indian air space last month.

The Indian Air Force, however, says no unscheduled flight inside Indian air space had taken place last month. (ANI)

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha to be alert along India-China border

Darjeeling, Sep 15 (ANI): Consequent to the reports about Chinese troops trespassing into the Indian territory, Bimal Gurung, chief of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) asserted that his party would form a special force to remain alert along the India-China border to keep away any kind of foreign intrusion.

Addressing a gathering here on Monday, Gurung said that the special force would be named as the Saheed Durga Malla Special Force, for which they would seek the federal government’s assistance.

“The problem faced by India at present…the incursion by China, for that we the Gorkha community, who have been in the service of the country for years … if China attacks India, then the GJM will on its part form a special force named as Saheed Durga Malla, which would send 500 cadres if a war breaks out,” Gurung added.

Officials sources have said that Chinese troops entered nearly 1.5 kilometres into the Indian territory near Mount Gya, which is recognised as the international border by India and China, and painted the word ‘China’ in Cantonese on the boulders and rocks there with red spray paint.

The incursions were reported from the area generally referred in the Chumar sector in east of Leh. (ANI)

After Ladakh, Chinese incursions now reported in Uttarakhand

Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Sep.13 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal has reportedly informed the Central Government about possible incursions by the Chinese in his state.

Pokhriyal, quoting reports from locals in Rimkhim in Chamoli district, said the Chinese entered the state on September 5 and left behind biscuit packet wrappers and cigarettes.

He informed both Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Home Ministry about this development and sought their help in curbing what he calls frequent incursions in his state.

He said, “We have shared the information with the Centre and we have demanded for more patrolling force at the Indo-China border.”

About a fortnight ago that the Chinese had ventured as far as the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, Chinese military helicopters had air dropped food packets in the region.

In another provocation, Chinese troops entered 1.5 kilometres into Indian Territory near Mount Gya-recognised as International border by India and China. Chinese troops painted rocks, boulders in Indian Territory red and labeled them “China”. The Chinese Government, however, has denied this charge through its foreign ministry.

Private television channel TIMES NOW quotes the Leh Deputy Commissioner as mentioning in a letter every instance of Chinese incursion and threats to sheperds in the region. The letter states that the Chinese are not only disputing territory, they are actually claiming the land as their own.

China has also raised a stink over proposed visit to Tamang in Arunachal Pradesh by Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. (ANI)

Councillor says PLA replaces China border police in Ladakh

Leh, Sep 9 (ANI): With fresh reports of incursion in Ladakh region, a local councillor has reiterated that Chinese troops frequently intrude into Indian territory and even threaten Indian shepherds.

“Last year when shepherds from 5-6 villages were grazing cattle in our winter pasture area …then Chinese troops troubled them, they (Chinese troops) pressurised our villagers to leave the place,” said Nawang Norboo, a Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) representing Nyoma block, said in Demchok village.

Norboo said Beijing seems to have beefed troops along the border.

“One change we witnessed during last one year is that when we asked our villagers about their interaction with the Chinese troops then they told us that earlier they had an interaction with Chinese Border Police but for the first time they saw troops of the People’s Liberation Army in the area,” he added.

Officials sources have said that Chinese troops entered nearly 1.5 kilometres into the Indian territory near Mount Gya, which is recognised as the international border by India and China, and painted the word ‘China’ in Cantonese on the boulders and rocks there with red spray paint. The incursions were reported from the area generally referred in the Chumar sector east of Leh.

The 22,420 ft Mount Gya, also known as “fair princess of snow” by the Army is located at the tri-junction of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, and Tibet.

The boundary was marked during the British era and is regarded as International border by the two countries.

The border patrol discovered the red paint markings on various rocks and boulders along the Zulung La (pass) on July 31 and the Chinese had entered into the area and written “China” all over the place, the sources said.

Indian soldiers later erased the text, writing ‘India’ instead.

This is not the first such reported intrusion. On June 21 Chinese helicopters had violated the Indian air space along the Line of Actual Control in Chumar region. The Chinese troops also reportedly dropped expired tinned food packets in the area.

Some people feel that lack of infrastructure is the cause for Chinese incursions.

External Affairs Minister S. M Krishna has sought to play down the alleged incursion by a Chinese helicopter in Ladakh, saying that there is an inbuilt mechanism to deal with it.

Talking to reporters outside his South Block office, Krishna said: “This (India-China boundary in Ladakh) is one of the peaceful boundaries. We have no dispute with China in this area. There is an inbuilt mechanism to deal with such issues.

Krishna’s remarks came as the Indian Army said that its Northern commander, Lt-Gen. P. C. Bhardwaj will visit the Leh-based 14 Corps headquarters over the next few days to verify reports of Chinese incursion in the Ladakh area.

Krishna and other sources said the matter would also be raised at the next border meeting between Indian and Chinese officials. (ANI)

Army’s Northern commander to check out Chinese incursion report

Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir), Sep.7 (ANI): The Indian Army’s Northern commander, Lt. Gen. P. C. Bhardwaj will visit the Leh-based 14 Corps headquarters over the next few days to verify reports of Chinese incursion in the Ladakh area.

Sources say the matter will also be raised at the next border meeting between Indian and Chinese officials.

Officials sources have said that Chinese troops entered nearly 1.5 kilometres into the Indian territory near Mount Gya, which is recognised as the international border by India and China, and painted the word ‘China’ in Cantonese on the boulders and rocks there with red spray paint.

The incursions were reported from the area generally referred in the Chumar sector in east of Leh.

The 22,420 ft Mount Gya, also known as “fair princess of snow” by the Army is located at the tri-junction of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, and Tibet. Its boundary was marked during the British era and is regarded as International border by the two countries.

The border patrol discovered the red paint markings on various rocks and boulders along the Zulung La (pass) on July 31 and the Chinese had entered into the area and written “China” all over the place, the sources said.

Indian soldiers later erased the text, writing ‘India’ instead.

This is not the first such reported intrusion. On June 21 Chinese helicopters had violated the Indian air space along the Line of Actual Control in Chumar region. The Chinese troops also reportedly dropped expired tinned food packets in the area.

Some people blame the problem of Chinese incursions on lack of infrastructure. (ANI)

China denies any violation of Indian air space

Beijing, Sep.1 (ANI): Chinese government on Tuesday said that there has been no violation of Indian air space and reports about such an occurrence by India media were baseless.

“Chinese military never crossed into the air space of other countries and its border patrols are conducted strictly “in accordance with law”, said Jiang Yu, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, in reply to a question about Chinese helicopters violating Indian air space.

Jiang termed the reports as “groundless” and said that the two countries have arrived at a consensus about making efforts to safeguard peace and tranquility on the border region while the border issue is being negotiated.

On Monday, the Indian Army said that China violated the Indian air space in Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.

It has happened. That is confirmed. But there is nothing alarming in it. I have given a written reply and that is the correct version, said Army Spokesperson Northern Command, Colonel Kachari,

Two Chinese helicopters reportedly violated the Indian air space in the recent months in Leh. The helicopters air-dropped some canned food in a barren land at Chumar, northeast of Leh, along the border on June 21.

The MI series helicopters were reported by residents living along the Pangong lake.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army has been crossing over into the Indian side in this region quite frequently with August reporting the maximum number of incursions.

In August, Chinese patrols entered into the Indian territory 26 times and walked away with petrol and kerosene meant for jawans of the border guarding forces. (ANI)

Army confirms violation of Indian air space by Chinese copters

New Delhi, Aug 31 (ANI): The Indian Army on Monday said that China violated the Indian air space in Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.

Army Spokesperson Northern Command, Colonel Kachari said, “It has happened. That is confirmed. But there is nothing alarming in it. I have given a written reply and that is the correct version.”

Two Chinese helicopters reportedly violated the Indian air space in the recent months in Leh.

The helicopters air-dropped some canned food in a barren land at Chumar, northeast of Leh, along the border on June 21.

The MI series helicopters were reported by residents living along the Pangong lake.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army has been crossing over into the Indian side in this region quite frequently with August reporting the maximum number of incursions.

In August this year, Chinese patrols have entered into the Indian territory 26 times and walked away with petrol and kerosene meant for jawans of the border guarding forces.

The Chinese Army had made 223 attempts last year and left tell-tale signs.(ANI)

Russia has violated UK airspace 18 times in two years

London, July 10 (ANI): Russian military aircraft violated British airspace without permission 18 times over the last two years, and now Members of Parliament are urging the Gordon Brown Government to take on a “more robust” stance, the Daily Telegraph reports.

RAF fighters were scrambled to intercept the Russian Bear bombers.

The Commons Defence Committee said the actions were “not the actions of a friendly nation”.

While the flights did not pose a direct threat to the security of Britain or NATO, the committee said they could endanger civil aircraft flying in the same area and risked causing serious accidents.

“The Government should take a more robust approach in making clear to Russia that its continued secret incursions by military aircraft into international airspace near to the UK is not acceptable behaviour,” said the committee in its report.

The committee said that such flights took place on 10 separate days in 2007, although they have since dropped off, with flights on just two days so far this year.

Overall the committee said that Britain should adopt a “practical and hard-headed approach” in its dealings with Russia. (ANI)

Israeli troops kill 2 Palestinians in Gaza clash

JERUSALEM: Israeli troops crossed into Gaza and killed two Palestinian militants who were planting a bomb along the border fence before dawn on Friday, the Israeli military said.

Violence has largely abated along the tense frontier since Israel’s devastating offensive against Gaza’s Hamas rulers early this year, but sporadic border violence and rocket fire have continued.

Soldiers posted along the border spotted the two men planting a bomb near the fence and crossed into Gaza to engage them, the military said. The gunmen were killed in the ensuing firefight.

The military says the men were carrying rifles, grenades and an improvised explosive device. Militants have often used such devices to target Israeli military patrols along the border, planting bombs under cover of darkness and detonating them later by remote control.

It was not immediately clear to which Palestinian militant group the fighters belonged. Most violent incidents in recent months have been claimed by small militant factions and not by Hamas, which might be trying to avoid provoking further Israeli retaliation.

Gaza is still struggling to rebuild after the offensive Israel launched nearly five months ago in an attempt to halt years of rocket fire at Israeli towns. The three-week offensive claimed some 1,400 lives in Gaza, including more than 900 civilians, according to Palestinian officials and human rights groups.

Israel says the death toll was lower than that and that most of the dead were militants. It blames Hamas for the civilian casualties, saying the militants used schools, mosques and residential areas for cover. Thirteen Israelis were killed during the fighting.

Israel pulled all of its troops out of Gaza after the offensive ended in mid-January. But small forces have occasionally crossed back inside in short incursions to battle militants or defuse bombs along the border fence.

Friday’s gunfight took place near one of the border crossings where Israel allows a trickle of humanitarian aid into the territory. Gaza has been blockaded by Israel and Egypt since Hamas seized power there nearly two years ago.