China asked to cease its activities in PoK

NEW DELHI: Government has conveyed its concerns to China about its activities in Pakistan occupied Kashmir ( PoK) and asked it to cease such activities there, Defence Minister A K Antony told the Lok Sabha today.

In written reply to another question in the House, he said government is not considering to withdraw troops from Siachen glacier.

On presence of Chinese soldiers in PoK, Antony said, "Government is aware of China undertaking infrastructure projects in PoK which are being executed by Chinese civil companies. Government has conveyed its concerns to China about their activities in PoK and asked them to cease such activities."

In reply to a question on death of soldiers in Siachen, Antony said since 2010, a total of 18 Indian soldiers have lost their lives in Siachen glaciers due to avalanches.

While six soldiers were killed in 2010, five such incidents were reported in 2011. 2012 saw seven deaths and no such incident has been reported during the present year.

On whether government proposes to negotiate with Pakistan to demilitarise the area, Antony said, "Any development/ redeployment of troops in the area is contingent upon the threat perception, ground situation, operational and strategic consideration."

Replying to a separate query on terrorist attack on Army camps in Jammu and Kashmir in the last one year, the Defence Minister said, "There have been two incidents of firing by terrorists on Army camps in J&K during the last one year. One Army person was killed in one of the incidents."

On steps taken to check such incidents, he said, "Army has taken adequate steps to prevent attacks on Army camps including deployment of troops and surveillance equipment. Troops are adequately trained and equipped to prevent such incidents."