Rahul Gandhi Raises China Border Issue a Day After PM Modi-Xi Meeting

Rahul Gandhi Raises China Border Issue

In the Wake of PM Modi-Xi Meeting

In the aftermath of a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit in Johannesburg, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has brought the China border issue into focus. Gandhi's statements emerged a day after the high-profile talks, in which he asserted that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) had encroached on India's territory. He also accused Modi of falsehood, asserting that China had not taken even an inch of Ladakh.

Gandhi's Stand on Ladakh's Land

During a rally in Kargil, a part of his Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi voiced his concerns about the strategic significance of Ladakh. He emphasized, "One thing is very clear: China has taken away India's land... It is sad that the prime minister in the Opposition meeting said that not even an inch of Ladakh has been taken by China. This is a lie..." The rally was a component of his week-long journey across Ladakh, where he visited various locations and aimed to pay respects at the Kargil war memorial for war martyrs.

Unity Against Hatred and Violence

En route to Srinagar, Gandhi briefly interacted with people during a stopover in Drass. He highlighted the importance of unity against the hatred and violence propagated by the BJP-RSS. Reflecting on his earlier Bharat Jodo Yatra, he conveyed the message of "nafrat ke bazaar mein hum mohabbat ki dukaan kholne nikle hain" (we have set out to open a store of love in the marketplace of hatred). He also emphasized the deep-rooted nature of Gandhi's ideology in Ladakh's DNA.

PM-Xi Meeting and India's Concerns

Addressing the PM-Xi meeting, India's foreign secretary, Vinay Kwatra, conveyed that Modi conveyed India's concerns about unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Kwatra emphasized the necessity of upholding peace and tranquillity along the border to normalize India-China relations.

Gandhi's Ladakh Expedition Continues

Rahul Gandhi's visit to Ladakh, commencing on August 17, marked his inaugural trip to the region since it attained Union Territory (UT) status in 2019. Over the past week, he explored various locales on a motorcycle, encompassing Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Khardungla Top, Lamayuru, and Zanskar. His journey culminated in a visit to Kargil on Thursday.

Srinagar Visit: Personal and Political

Gandhi's expedition continues as he arrives in Srinagar for a two-day "personal visit." His mother, Sonia Gandhi, is expected to accompany him the following day. However, this visit reportedly entails no political engagements or meetings with party leaders, as stated by Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Vikar Rasool Wani.

Also Read: ‘Riding Unstoppable’: Rahul Gandhi’s Journey by Motorcycle Across Ladakh on the Eve of Father Rajiv’s Birth Anniversary

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