Bridge Being Built On Pangong Lake In Area Under Beijing’s Illegal Occupation For 60 Years: MEA
New Delhi, Jan 6 : India on Thursday said that a bridge being built by China on the Pangong Tso Lake is in areas that are under “illegal occupation of China for around 60 years” and that the government is closely monitoring the activity.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in a media briefing, said that India is likewise taking all necessary steps to ensure that its security interests are fully protected.
“As regards reports about a bridge being made by the Chinese side on Pangong lake, Government has been monitoring this activity closely. This bridge is being constructed in areas that have been under illegal occupation by China for around 60 years now.
“As you are well aware India has never accepted such illegal occupation,” he said.
“Separately, Government has been taking all necessary steps to ensure that our security interests are fully protected.
“As part of these efforts, Government has also, in the last seven years, increased significantly the budget for development of border infrastructure and completed more roads and bridges than ever before. These have provided much needed connectivity to local population as well as logistical support to armed forces. Government remains committed to this objective,” he added.
Reports of Beijing’s bridge building activity went viral on social media, with some experts showing satellite imagery pictures suggesting that China may be constructing a bridge across the lake.
