Opposition parties offer Centre unequivocal support on #SikkimStandoff
What's the story
All opposition parties, including the Congress, TMC and CPM, have offered the Central Government their unequivocal support in the ongoing standoff between India and Chinese troops at Doka La, near Sikkim. This came at a marathon all-party meeting on July 14. The Central Government was represented by senior cabinet ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
Details
What was discussed regarding Sikkim standoff
Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar gave the political leaders a detailed presentation on the standoff with China. The Chicken's Neck Corridor, which joins the northeastern states with mainland India, were frequently discussed. West Bengal is particularly looking at the developments along the China border more closely due to its proximity to it. The meeting took place in Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence.
Information
Kashmir issue and Amarnath attack also discussed
Home Secretary-designate Rajiv Gauba briefed them on the situation in Kashmir and the recent terror strike on Amarnath pilgrims. Gauba also explained PM Narendra Modi's initiatives in Kashmir.
Who said what
What opposition parties said about Sikkim standoff
After the meeting, Congress leader Anand Sharma said, "We have asked the government to tackle the situation [with China] diplomatically, rising above politics for national interest." He said the Congress will discuss the issue in Parliament. All parties expressed strong support towards the government's approach towards China. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury asked the government to evaluate why India's relations with its neighbors are deteriorating.
Questions raised
Congress asks three important questions on Amarnath security lapse
On the Amarnath attack, the Congress asked three questions: 1) Why the bus journey, which normally takes one-and-a-half hours, took four hours to complete? 2) Why the bus was allowed to ply after dark, despite strict restrictions on this? 3) Why the pilgrims in the ill-fated bus were allowed to visit Amarnath despite being unregistered? Shiv Sena, TMC and BSP also questioned security lapses.