New Delhi, June 20

By IDI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held an All Party Meeting via video conferencing to discuss the situation in Indo-China border areas. Presidents of various political parties participated in the meet.

 

Modi underlined, “We must all stand united and have full faith in our soldiers who are defending our borders.” He assured the families of the martyrs that they have the support of the entire Nation.

At the outset, PM clarified that neither is anyone inside our territory nor any of our posts captured. He added: “We must all stand united and have full faith in our soldiers who are defending our borders.” They will forever be remembered for their valour and sacrifice by the country, he further stated.

Prime Minister said that the entire country is hurt and angry at the steps taken by China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “Our armed forces are leaving no stone unturned to protect the country,” he said.

“Be it deployment of troops, taking action orcounter action, through land, sea or air, our forces are taking the necessary steps,” he assured the leaders.

On one hand, the Army has been given freedom to take necessary steps, on the other India has also conveyed its position clearly to China through diplomatic means. India today is “so capable that no one can even dare to look towards an inch of our land,” the PM asserted.

He went on to say even though India wants peace and friendship, upholding its sovereignty is of foremost importance. He highlighted that the government has given utmost importance to development of border-area infrastructure to make them more secure. Provision has also been made for both modernization and acquisition of fighter planes, modern helicopters, missile defence systems etc to meet the tailor-made requirements of our forces.

Due to the newly-developed infrastructure, patrolling at the LAC has increased, keeping India better informed about any developments there and consequently helps respond to any such threats promptly, he said.

Be it in trade, connectivity or counter-terrorism, the government has always stood up to outside pressure, the PM assured, all steps necessary for national security and infrastructure will be given utmost priority.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated the PM, adding that India will never forget the sacrifice of the martyrs. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar gave an overview of agreements between India and China on border management, informed about the directions given by the PM in 2014 to give highest priority to development of infrastructure in border areas in the regions identified and approved by the Cabinet in 1999, and also shared details of recent developments.

The leaders of the political parties hailed the bravery displayed by the armed forces in Ladakh. They expressed commitment to stand united with the government.

The Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Bannerjee, said that her party stands strongly in solidarity with the Centre. Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar said that there should be no disunity amongst the leaders and parties as these may be exploited by other nations.

Chirag Paswan, president of Lok Janshakti Party asserted that the country feels safe under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

Uddhav Thackeray, CM, Maharashtra, lauded the PM and assured that the entire country is standing by him.

Sonia Gandhi, president of Indian National Congress said that the leaders are still in the dark about the details and questioned the government about intelligence reports and other related matters. Sharad Pawar said that issues of soldiers carrying arms are decided by international agreements and the parties need to understand that these are sensitive matters.

Conrad Sangma, CM Meghalaya said that the Prime Minister has been working to develop the infrastructure in the North-East and he asked for their continuance.  

Former Uttar Pradesh CM Mayawati said that this is not the time for petty politics and she firmly stands with the Prime Minister on whatever decisions he takes.

MK Stalin- president of BMK welcomed the recent statement by the Prime Minister on the issue.