India to raise incursion into Sikkim with China

New Delhi, June 19 : Union Minister of State for Defence, M M Pallam Raju, today said here, that India would take up with China the issue of recent incursions by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) into its territory along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the "appropriate highest level".

Raju's comments come in the wake of frequent incursions into Indian territory by the PLA along the LAC.

The Finger Area in Sikkim has seen 65 transgressions in the last six months and on June 16, PLA men entered the region in light vehicles and later returned to their territory.

Addressing a seminar on 'Indian Way of War-fighting', Raju said, "Meeting the security challenges is a continuous process and needs to be reviewed constantly to retain the edge over the advisory."

Raju called for using both conventional and non-conventional methods including fourth generation warfare to meet the security challenges.

"The emergence of ideology linked terrorism and support to separatist insurgencies in the extended neighbourhood has direct impact on our national security. Apart from this, spread of small arms and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction have also bearing on our security," he added.

He said that the capability to induct higher technology has obtained critical mass in countering the present challenges.

The Minister said in the present age the economic clout, modern technology and efficient sources of political systems are essential for the sound foundation of military power.

"With the stable democracy and a vibrant economy with advanced ecological base, India aims to ensure conducive internal and external environment for unhindered economic progress and socio-political development. This will help India to assume its right for role in the world order," he added.

ANI