Modi, Sushma misled tion on Doklam: Congress

New Delhi, Jan 18: The Congress on Thursday accused Prime Minister rendra Modi and Exterl Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj of “misleading” the tion over Chinese troops occupying Doklam plateau, saying that India’s security and strategic interests have been compromised.

“The satellite imagery and media reports suggest that Chi has set up military establishments in Doklam near the Indian border which indicates that India’s security and strategic interests have been compromised,” Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surhewala told the media here. “It seems that the government was snoozing while the Chinese troops occupied the Doklam plateau as suggested by satellite images. And it seems Chi is planning a Doklam 2.0 like retreat near the Indian border.” In a jibe, the Congress spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister has mastered the art of electoral rhetoric as he has failed miserably to ensure the protection of our borders.”

Showing the satellite images, Surjewala said Chi had constructed a two-storey watch tower, seven helipads and several military establishments in Doklam. “What is the government doing as Chi has occupied the entire Doklam plateau? Are the government, Prime Minister and Defence Minister aware about these constructions?”

Slamming Sushma Swaraj, Surjewala said the Ministry of Exterl Affairs issued a statement in August, saying the troops of both the countries were doing expeditious disengagement. “Even Sushma Swarajji said (this) in Parliament. And when we asked about the details, she said the troops of both countries were returning to their posts. At that point, there was no reason to question her statement,” he said. He said after the tensions at Doklam were resolved, the Chinese Foreign Ministry had said that while it had withdrawn the troops, it would keep on patrolling the area. (IANS)