Sikkim ‘Finger Point’ survey on: Army Chief

NEW DELHI/GANGTOK, May 27: In the backdrop of China laying claim over a tiny border area in Sikkim, India is conducting a survey in the region as part of efforts to revalidate New Delhi's position.While confirming this, Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor today sought to downplay the survey, saying there was nothing unusual about it as “we are carrying out such exercises in other places”.He said there is no problem between “us and the other side (China)” in the area, called “Finger Point” in north Sikkim.“Within our territory, we can do survey and patrolling as we have been doing it for years,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar on “Technology and Anti-technology Challenges before Defence Forces” organised by the CII.His comments come days after reports that the government has asked the Survey of India to carry out a fresh survey of the northern plateau in Sikkim using latest methods to validate India's position.In exchanges with Beijing, New Delhi has been relying on the 1924 survey of India map of the area. China also claims 2.1 square km area which is referred as “Finger Area”.“Surveys are normal exercises. Surveys along the border are continuing at a lot of places,” Kapoor said.Also referring to the issue, Minister of State for Defence M M Palam Raju said that both India and China are responsible neighbours and would sort out matters, if any, bilaterally.“We conduct bilateral negotiations for all issues. If there is any issue, we will sort out,” he said.Expressing surprise over recent spate of ceasefire violations in Jammua and Kashmir, Raju said New Delhi was looking for “valid explanation from the other side” on these.ations,” he said as for over five years the sanctity of the ceasefire had been respected both by India and Pakistan.He said after these violations, India was anticipating that there could be more bids made to infiltrate terrorists from across the border. The minister said the armed forces have been asked to maintain strict vigil and foil all attempts by militants to sneak across the LoC.Asked if Border Roads Organisation would be involved in new projects in Afghanistan since the present road project almost approaching completion, he said a request has to come from Afghanistan. (The Statesman)