China has snatched India's land, Rahul Gandhi reiterates claim after Beijing releases incorrect map

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (30 August) restated the claims that he made in the past about China "invading" Indian territory in Ladakh.

Gandhi called China's act of including Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai China as a part of its territory in its latest edition of the 'Standard Map" a "serious issue".

"I have been saying this for many years... What the prime minister has said, I have just returned from Ladakh... What the prime minister has said...That not an inch of land has been invaded..it is totally false," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

He then claimed that all the people of Ladakh know that China has "intruded upon" Indian land.

On being questioned about China including Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai China in its new map, Rahul Gandhi said, "The question of the map is a very serious one. But they (China) have captured our land. The prime minister should also speak on this issue."

During his visit to Ladakh earlier this month, Gandhi slammed the Centre saying that its claim that not an inch of Indian land was taken by China's People Liberation Army (PLA) troops "is not true".

He further asserted that the local residents claim that Indian territory was infringed upon and taken by the Chinese troops, adding that it was a matterof concern.

"The locals here are concerned about China taking our land. They have said that the Chinese troops took away their grazing land. However, the PM says not an inch of land was taken away. This is not true, you can ask anyone here," Rahul had said.

Making absurd claims doesn't make other's territories yours:Jaishankar

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday (Aug 29) called out China's "absurd claims" for showing Indian territories as theirs.

Speaking at a conclave in the capital New Delhi city, Jaishankar said that it was an "old habit" of China to put out maps claiming territories that don't belong to them, and added that the Modi government is very serious about the issue.

"China has put out maps with territories not theirs. Old habit. Putting out maps with parts in India doesn't change anything. Our government is very clear about territory. Making absurd claims does not make other people's territories yours," Jaishankar told NDTV.

(With inputs from agencies)

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