Uproar after Opposition requests discussion on India-China border situation; RS adjourned

New Delhi, December 16: The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 12 noon on Friday amid uproar after the chair denied the Opposition's request to hold a discussion on the India-China border situation.

Harivansh, the Rajya Sabha's Deputy Chairman, repeatedly urged House members to allow the proceedings, citing rules. Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala earlier on Friday gave a Suspension of Business Notice under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha to discuss the border issue with neighbouring China.

He also requested that the Chairman ask for a statement from the Prime Minister and the Government on the matter. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, also attempted to bring the issue up in the House.

Earlier on Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed that Indian military commanders prevented Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops from crossing the Line of Actual Control in the Yangtse area of Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang Sector and unilaterally changing the status quo. As a result, the PLA troops returned to their initial locations.

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Union Minister also assured that "our forces are committed to protecting our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt made on it," and displayed confidence that "this entire House will stand united in supporting our soldiers in the brave effort".

Explaining the incident, Singh stated, "I would like to brief this august House about an incident on our border in Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9, 2022."

"On December 9, 2022, PLA troops tried to transgress the LAC in Yangtse area of Tawang Sector and unilaterally change the status quo. The Chinese attempt was contested by our troops in a firm and resolute manner. The ensuing face-off led to a physical scuffle in which the Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from transgressing into our territory and compelled them to return to their posts," the union minister stated.

He added, "the scuffle led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides", and clarified that "there are no fatalities or serious casualties on our side. Due to the timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers went back to their locations."

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