New Delhi: India on Thursday said that the bridge across the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh is being constructed in areas that have been under control of China from around 60 years.
“Regarding reports of a bridge being made by the Chinese side on Pangong Lake, the government has been monitoring this activity closely. This bridge is being constructed in areas that have been under illegal occupation by China for around 60 years now,” Ministry of External Affairs India spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
Media reports of #PangongTso allege a new bridge is under construction connecting the north & south bank of the lake, in turn enhancing road connectivity for #China's troops in the area, GEOINT of the area identifies the location & progress of the alleged structure https://t.co/b9budT3DZZ pic.twitter.com/IdBl5rkDhR
— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) January 3, 2022
“As you are well aware, India has never accepted such illegal occupation and the government has been taking all necessary steps to ensure our security interests are fully protected,” he told reporters during a scheduled press briefing this evening.
Bagchi said these steps included a significant increase in funding for development of border infrastructure (roads and bridges) to provide better logistical support for the armed forces.
On Monday NDTV reported on satellite imagery accessed by geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon, which indicates China may be constructing a bridge across the lake.
The bridge is being built across a part of the lake that falls within Chinese territory, but it connects both banks and gives China the ability to move forces and heavy weaponry into India at pace, the report said. A fully constructed bridge means China will have multiple routes to add troops in the contentious area.
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