China border: Centre announces 54 outposts, Rs 175-cr infra package

“Today when I talk about the border, be it with Pakistan or China, I feel pained and anguished over reports of ceasefire violations by Pakistan or incursions by Chinese troops,” he said at the 53rd raising day function of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) here, which guards the 3,488-km-long border from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

“Humlog shanti chahte hai samman ki saath. Asamman ke saath shanti nahi ho sakti (We want peace with honour. Peace cannot come at the cost of honour,” he said, referring to the recent border row with China. China has been objecting to any development of infrastructure along the LAC and setting up of border outposts leading to instances of stand-offs with India.

Singh also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi making it clear that India wants to maintain peaceful relations with all its neighbouring countries. “Our Prime Minister has told the Chinese President that if there is a dispute we should talk,” he said.

“India wants to keep friendly relations with our neighbours whether it is China or Pakistan. We believe in the philosophy of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’ which means the world is one family and India has told the world about it,” he added. Singh also said the government was looking into the demand for a dedicated air support for ITBP personnel.

Referring to Pakistan, the Home Minister said the neighbouring country should stop firing on border posts and civilian areas and noted that Pakistan had fired upon the civilian areas along the border in J&K just a day before Diwali. He said Pakistan should know that Indian forces possess the “capability to give a befitting reply” for these misadventures.

He also disapproved of Pakistan’s recent move of approaching the UN over the Kashmir issue and seeking intervention, saying all issues can be resolved through talks.