In a scathing attack on the Modi government, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged on Thursday that the administration is attempting to conceal the most significant territorial setback in six decades against China. Ramesh claimed that Chinese troops have been restricting Indian patrols’ access to strategic areas in eastern Ladakh, including the Depsang Plains and Demchok, since May 2020.
Ramesh highlighted a statement by Ladakh-based politician Konchok Stanzin, revealing that a landmark at the Rezang La battle site of the 1962 Sino-India conflict was dismantled as part of the disengagement process with China. Stanzin, the councillor of Chushul in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, stated that a memorial at the site fell within the negotiated buffer zone with China in 2021.
“This is a huge insult to the memory of Major Singh and the fallen heroes of Charlie Company,” remarked Ramesh, emphasizing the historical significance of the defence of Rezang La by C Company of 13 Kumaon, led by Major Shaitan Singh.
Ramesh accused the Modi government of attempting to mask the territorial setback with a strategy of “Deny, Distract, Lie, and Justify” since May 2020. He challenged the government’s claims of an Indian victory in Doklam in 2017, pointing to increased Chinese encroachment on Bhutanese land.
“China understands that if the Prime Minister is allowed to claim PR successes, he will continue to cede ground to Chinese salami-slicing tactics,” said Ramesh, urging transparency on the restoration of the status quo ante in Ladakh.
By PTI
