Indian opposition parties on Wednesday staged a protest at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on parliament premises, demanding a discussion be held regarding the latest clashes with Chinese troops in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh.
Parliamentarians from as many as 12 opposition parties joined the demonstration led by Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha (the upper house) and Congress president.
Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi was also among the demonstrators.
The opposition claimed the federal government was avoiding a debate because it was "hiding something".
“The continuing incursions by China on our border are a matter of serious concern. The whole nation stands with our vigilant soldiers who repelled these attacks under difficult conditions. The Government, however, stubbornly refuses to allow the subject to be discussed in Parliament,” Sonia Gandhi said as she was addressing parliamentarians ahead of the rally on Wednesday.
Congress parliamentarians Manish Tewari and Manickam Tagore on Wednesday gave notice of an adjournment motion in Lok Sabha (the lower house) to discuss the border situation. Soon after the proceedings commenced, though, it was adjourned because of the ensuing chaos.
On Tuesday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh wanted to know the federal government's stance on the border situation, wondering why the Chinese Ambassador hadn't been issued a demarche.
At least 300 Chinese troops clashed with Indian soldiers in the Yangtse area of Tawang sector on 9 December, injuries were reported on both sides.
According to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, the Indian side “compelled [China's People's Liberation Army (PLA)] to return to their posts” and no deaths were registered on “our side”.
A spokesman from the PLA has accused the Indian troops of starting the whole business, suggesting they “illegally” crossed the Line of Actual Control.