Amid reports of China constructing a second and larger bridge on Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday has issued a statement where it said that both the bridges lie under the illegally occupied area by China.The second bridge is being built amid the lingering standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries at several friction points in eastern Ladakh for over two years. China is looking forward to strengthen its military infrastructure.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said both the bridges were in areas that continued to remain under illegal occupation of China since the 1960s. The statement said “We’ve never accepted such illegal occupation of our territory, nor have we accepted the unjustified Chinese claim or such construction activities.”  The MEA said the Centre, on several occasions, had made it clear that the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were an integral part of India and “we expect other countries to respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The government remains committed to the objective of creating infrastructure along the border areas to only meet India’s strategic and security requirements but also facilitate the economic development of these areas. And of course, the government keeps a constant watch on all developments that have a bearing on India’s security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

 

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