AGENCY
New Delhi: Amid the continuing unrest in Kashmir, India on Wednesday asked Pakistan to stop cross border terror activities and asserted it will take all necessary steps to safeguard national security and territorial integrity.
The government told Parliament that terrorism emanating from territories under Pakistan’s control remained India’s “core concern” and that the Pathankot attack and strikes in various places in Kashmir have highlighted the continued threat of cross border terrorism and infiltration.
“In response to Pakistan’s recent statements in support of known terrorists killed in India, Government has asked Pakistan to stop all terrorism and anti-India activities in Pakistan or territories under its control,” Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh, said replying to a question in Lok Sabha.
He said Pakistan has been told that it cannot be in denial on the impact of terrorism on the bilateral ties, and it must expeditiously bring to justice all those guilty of Mumbai terror attack as well as of the Pathankot strike.
The Minister said the government remained continuously vigilant and “firm” in its resolve to take all necessary steps to effectively safeguard India’s security and territorial integrity.
Singh said Pakistan has been in “illegal and forcible” occupation of approximately 78,000 sq kms of Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir.
“China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 sq kms in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
“In addition, under the so-called ‘Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963’, Pakistan illegally ceded 5180 sq kms of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China,” he said.
About infrastructure projects being implemented by China in PoK, he said the government was aware about it. “Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s national interest and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.”
Replying to a separate question, Singh said the government was aware of reports that the Tibet Military Command’s political rank will be elevated by China to one level higher than its counterpart provincial-level military commands, and that it will come directly under the leadership of People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
“Government is also aware of infrastructural development in the border areas on the Chinese side. Government has seen media reports, which are not authenticated, that China plans to extend its rail link to Nepal which might involve building a tunnel under Mount Everest.
“Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India s security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it,” he said.
Replying to a question on President Pranab Mukherjee’s recent visit to China, Singh said he had held substantive bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and other senior leaders. “It was emphasised that it is important for both sides to show sensitivity to each other’s interests, concerns and aspirations. Willingness was expressed to further strengthen bilateral ties through enhanced exchanges at various levels including at leadership level so as to build greater mutual trust and understanding,” the minister said.
