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The recent agreement between India and China regarding patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has sparked renewed scrutiny and questions from Congress MP Manish Tewari. While acknowledging the ‘satisfaction’ derived from the patrolling preparations, Tiwari has urged the Central government to provide a comprehensive report outlining the current situation at the LAC, as well as the circumstances prevailing prior to 2020.
Tiwari emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability from the government, stating that the Parliament has not been adequately informed about the Chinese transgressions that occurred in the pre-2020 period. He further expresses concerns about the lack of clarity on the exact extent of China's withdrawal from the areas it had transgressed in April and May 2020, particularly regarding crucial patrolling points. He cites a paper by a senior IPS officer that revealed India's loss of access to 26 patrolling points from the Karakoram Pass to Chumar, prompting questions about whether access to these points has been restored following the agreement.
Tiwari's concerns extend to the ambiguity surrounding the nature of the ‘resolutions’ mentioned by the Chinese side in the agreement. He raises concerns about the lack of clarity on whether these resolutions are written or oral, and what exactly they entail – a resolution of a conflict situation or merely a resolution of a disagreement. In light of these unresolved issues, Tiwari strongly advocates for a comprehensive and chronological briefing to the Parliament, detailing the pre-2020 situation, the specific areas where Chinese transgressions occurred, the depth of those transgressions, and the confirmation of Chinese withdrawal from all encroached areas, including the restoration of access to the 26 inaccessible patrolling points. He also seeks clarification on the nature and scope of the Chinese ‘resolutions’ mentioned in the agreement.
This renewed emphasis on transparency and accountability comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tension between India and China along the LAC. The two countries have engaged in multiple rounds of military talks since their troops clashed in early May 2020, culminating in the June 15 face-off in the Galwan Valley that resulted in casualties on both sides. The upcoming bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, marks the first formal interaction between the two leaders in five years and follows the recent agreement on patrolling arrangements. This meeting serves as an opportunity to address lingering concerns and further clarify the intricacies of the agreement.
The Congress MP’s call for a detailed report from the government highlights the need for comprehensive transparency and accountability, particularly in matters pertaining to national security and border disputes. It underscores the importance of parliamentary oversight and the need for the government to engage in open and informed dialogue with lawmakers and the public regarding such sensitive issues. The upcoming meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping provides a critical platform for further discussion and resolution of outstanding issues, ensuring the maintenance of peace and stability along the India-China border.