Rahul Gandhi asks Centre to deal with China ‘firmly’

Congress President Rahul Gandhi slammed the government on Sunday, demanding that it deal “firmly” with China.

The Indian people will not tolerate Chinese “sitting on Indian land” according to the Congress MP. Addressing a press conference on the eve of the conclusion of his 134-day Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress MP stated that a Ladakhi delegation explicitly stated that the Chinese had taken 2000 square kilometres of Indian territory.

“Government is under the impression that the Chinese have not taken any land from India. A delegation from Ladakh clearly said that 2000 square km of Indian Territory was taken by the Chinese. They also said that many patrolling points that used to be in India are now firmly in Chinese hands,” said Rahul Gandhi.

The Wayanad MP said the approach that the government was following by completely denying that the Chinese have taken our land is extremely dangerous as it would give them the confidence to do even more aggressive things.

“The approach Government is following by completely denying that the Chinese have taken our land is dangerous and it will give them more confidence to do more aggressive things. We have to deal with the Chinese firmly and tell them they are sitting on our land, won’t be tolerated,” he further said.

Targeting the Centre over the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress leader said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders should walk from Jammu to Lal Chowk if the situation is so good in the Union Territory.

“Target killing and bomb blasts are happening in Jammu and Kashmir and if the security situation has improved then the conversation the security personnel are having with me should not have been required. If the situation is so good why don’t the BJP people walk from Jammu to Lal Chowk? Why doesn’t Amit Shah walk from Jammu to Kashmir if the situation is so secure? I don’t think that argument holds,” said Rahul Gandhi.

Congress has alleged a security lapse during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir.
Earlier on Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that police arrangement “completely collapsed” during Bharat Jodo Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir and he had “to cancel” his walk.

When asked about his plans after the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi said, “I am tired after traveling 4000 kms. I want to take some rest, then I have to think about the future.”

Responding to several questions about the restoration of statehood, the Congress leader said it should be the first step taken in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Statehood and restoration of the democratic process is a fundamental and very important first step. The other steps will come later and I do not necessarily have to comment on it here,” he said, referring to a question about holding talks with Pakistan.

“All states have an assembly. The democratic process is the right of the people and it should be restored in Jammu and Kashmir. A solution should be found for the people of Ladakh as well,” he added.