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Antony: no incursions, but perceptions on LAC differ

— Photo: PTI/ Shahbaz Khan

Defence Minister A.K. Antony interacts with Army Chief Gen. Deepak Kapoor and troops in Gangtok on Saturday.

Gangtok: India on Saturday denied that China had intruded into its territory in the northeastern sector and had destroyed forward posts and bunkers in Sikkim, but admitted that there were divergent perceptions on the Line of Actual Control between India and China.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony refuted media reports that China destroyed two forward posts and bunkers on the Sikkim border last month.

To queries from journalists here, Mr. Antony said, “There was no incursion by the Chinese troops in Indian territory, be it in Sikkim or Arunachal Pradesh.”

The Minister, however, admitted that there might have been isolated incidents on the borders arising out of the difference of perception on territorial jurisdiction between the two countries.

He expressed confidence that all minor problems and differences of perception would be resolved through negotiations.

Describing China as “our strategic partner,” Mr. Antony said the armed forces of the two countries would participate in a joint military exercise in the second half of December in order to understand each other better.

The Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Sikkim, along with Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor and other officials, interacted with officials and soldiers of the 17th mountain division manning the border at Sikkim. — PTI

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