Congress posts video alleging PLA confrontation, Jairam Ramesh challenges Modi govt's LAC claims

Neeraj Mohan

New Delhi, January 31

The Congress has released a compelling video, dated January 2024, revealing an alleged confrontation between Indian shepherds and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) near Patrolling Points 35 and 36 in the Chushul sector.

The footage has intensified accusations against the Narendra Modi-led government, challenging its assertions of stability at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a statement, accused the Modi government of attempting to downplay a significant territorial setback, using what he termed the "DDLJ approach": Deny, Distract, Lie, and Justify.

The video purportedly shows PLA troops, accompanied by an armored vehicle, obstructing shepherds' access to grazing areas well within India's claim.

Ramesh claimed that Ladakhi sources on the ground have consistently refuted the government's narrative, exposing details such as the loss of access to 26 out of 65 patrolling points and the alleged agreement on buffer zones that concede additional territory.

The video, according to Congress, is the latest example of such revelations.

The statement also highlighted China's continued denial of access to strategic areas, including the Depsang Plains and Demchok, despite 18 rounds of military talks. Ramesh underscored the alleged failure of PM Modi to restore the status quo in Ladakh over four years and accused him of allowing China to increase its influence in Bhutan, posing a threat to India's Siliguri Corridor.

The Congress leader insisted on accountability, urging PM Modi to explain to the people of India when and how the status quo would be restored.

The party pledged to continue its fight for justice for soldiers through the Jay Jawan campaign, emphasising the need for resolution not only for the armed forces but also for displaced shepherds vulnerable to PLA patrols.

As tensions persist along the border, the Congress party seeks to keep the spotlight on alleged government failures in safeguarding India's territorial integrity, promising to address the issue should they come to power in the future.

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