M A I N   N E W S

No real threat, leaders in touch: Govt
Border with China peaceful, media hype can mar it
Ashok Tuteja
Tribune News Service

Media hype could lead to unwarranted incident or accident that could create problems with China — MK Narayanan, NSA The leaders of the two countries are in constant touch. There is regular communication and a mutual recognition that outstanding issues can be resolved through dialogue and communication — Nirupama Rao, Foreign Secy There was no increase in the number of Chinese intrusions as compared to last year. There is no cause for worry or concern — Gen Deepak Kapoor, Army chief

New Delhi, September 19
Dismissing the recent Chinese incursions into its territory as ‘not a new phenomenon’, India today said the situation along the line of actual control (LAC) had remained peaceful for decades, contrary to popular perception. The Army chief General Deepak Kapoor also downplayed the reports of intrusions and said there was no increase in the number of such incidents as compared to last year.

A day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had downplayed reports of border violations by China, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said there had been no significant increase in intrusions across all sections of the LAC and emphasised that the leaders of the two countries were in constant touch.

Addressing a press conference to announce that the PM would be leaving for Pittsburgh (US) on Thursday for the G-20 summit of major and emerging economies, the top diplomat pointed out that there was no mutually agreed to delineated border with China. “This is an issue which has to be resolved,” she added. Meanwhile, National Security Advisor MK Narayanan cautioned that media “hype” could lead to “unwarranted incident or accident” that could create problems with China.

In a television interview, he acknowledged that incursions were taking place but said there was “hardly any increase” in these activities and the situation was not “alarming.”

The Foreign Secretary also brushed aside alarming reports in the media on Chinese intrusions. “There has been a hype in the media and a certain intensification of volume about the manner in which it has been reported.” Rao said there were established mechanisms like border personnel meetings to address issues relating to intrusions, and stressed that they have “worked well.” Underlining the developing nature of relationship between India and China, Nirupama, a former ambassador to China, said the leaderships of the two countries were in regular communication over important bilateral issues. To a question, she said no bilateral meeting was planned between the PM and the leader of the Chinese delegation on the margins of the G-20 Summit.

Addressing mediapersons after reviewing the passing-out parade at Officers’ Training Academy in Chennai, the Army chief said, “There is no cause for worry or concern: over Chinese incursions.

“The Prime Minister has made a statement yesterday that there has not been any more incursions or transgressions as compared to last year. They are almost at the same level,” he said.

On ceasefire violations by Pakistan, Kapoor said there were “some” ceasefire violations but the Indian troops had “responded suitably.” A mechanism was in place to deal with such ceasefire violations, with hotline present on either side of the border, he said.

The militants would attempt to infiltrate before winter, he said, adding that “the troops are well-deployed to meet and combat any such threats.”

Earlier, addressing the cadets, General Kapoor said external threat to the country had acquired a new dimension through global terrorism and the newly emerging threat of bio and nuclear terrorism. He said a more challenging role awaited the young officers owing to the changed security environment.

A total of 187 cadets (157 Gentleman Cadets and 30 Lady Cadets) were commissioned as officers in the Indian Army following the completion of their training at the academy.

Cadets marched out from the hallowed precincts of the Parameshwaran Drill Square to the tune of ‘Auld Lang Syne’. Parents of the cadets, dignitaries and members of the diplomatic fraternity witnessed the parade.

Cadet PS Bisht, who also received the coveted Sword of Honour for being the best all-round GC of the course, commanded the parade. Academy under officer Suchi Durga Pal got the gold medal for standing first in overall order of merit. The silver medal went to PS Bisht. (With inputs from N Ravikumar in Chennai)