December 13, 2020 6:39:22 am
Cadets in parade during the graduation ceremony at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, on Saturday. Lieutenant General Saini was the reviewing officer for the ceremony. (PTI)
The Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. SK Saini, said on Saturday that India’s talks with China on the LAC showdown are likely to drag on, but added that the country would guarantee its territorial integrity “no matter the cost.” He said that India remains committed to dialogue and hopes that the status quo will be restored from April.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Indian Military Academy (IMA) fainting parade, Dehradun, as a review officer, Lt. Gen. Saini said: “We are in contact with our Chinese counterparts both at the diplomatic and military level. . And we hope that a solution will be found through this dialogue and that the status quo will be restored as of April this year ”.
He added: “While we seek a resolution through dialogue, we are also committed to guaranteeing the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, regardless of the cost involved.”
When asked about the lack of a breakthrough in the dialogue with China, Lieutenant General Saini said: “We have to stay committed to China. And these are complex conversations and therefore it will likely take time, but I understand that these conversations are lengthy. But we remain committed to this dialogue and we hope that a prompt resolution will be reached ”.
On reports that China established new villages near Doklam, the deputy army chief said that no new villages or structures have been created within Indian territory. “Therefore, it is on the other side of the border. And, as you know that the continued development of the infrastructure on the other side of the Line of Royal Control has been ongoing for the last few decades, therefore it is not a cause for concern for us.
Que Gen Saini also said that violations of the ceasefire through the Line of Control have seen an increase this year compared to the last two years.
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