New Delhi, July 14: The Congress party will attend the all-party meeting called in by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday over the ongoing stand-off between Indian and Chinese armies in Doklam area of Sikkim. While name of the leaders have not been revealed yet, senior leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and Jyotiraditya Scindia are likely to attend the meet at 5 PM, sources said.
The final decision will be taken at the meeting at 4 PM at Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s residence, the sources said.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala told media, “The Congress will ask questions on the current stand-off seeking details and its implications on the national security. The Congress will support the government in every endeavour to defend the national security.”
Also read: Sikkim stand-off: Indian Army pitch tents for long haul in Doklam
The decision was taken at a meeting by the high-powered committee comprising of senior leaders P Chidambaram, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sushmita Deb, Randeep Singh Surjewala and Divya Spandana.
The meeting has been called to bring all parties on board in view of the ongoing stand-off. The meeting also assumes significance as it comes just two days ahead of Monsoon Session of Parliament which will commence on July 17.
Last week, Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui and the Bhutanese Ambassador met Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi to discuss the issue.
Also read: India-China Border Dispute: Indian Troops Stand Firm in Doklam Against Chinese Intrusion
The Opposition is planning to corner government on a host of issues including Goods and Service Tax, Doklam stand-off, demonetisation. “All the issues of national importance will be raised by the Congress in Parliament session,” Surjewala said.
The recent terror attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims is unlikely to be taken up in the meeting. Seven people were killed and 19 others were injured in the attack on Monday night in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Since last month, China and India have been engaged in a standoff in Doklam area near the Bhutan tri-junction after a Chinese army’s construction party was stopped by Indian troops from building a road, in what China claims to be its territory.
Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Doklam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.
China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the area. Bhutan, however, has no diplomatic ties with China and it is supported militarily and diplomatically by India.
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest India News on India.com.
