Modi, Swaraj misleading nation on Doklam: Congress

Congress on Thursday accused the Modi government of "misleading" the nation  over Chinese troops occupying Doklam plateau, saying Indian security and strategic interests have been compromised.

"It seems that the government was snoozing while the Chinese troops occupied the Doklam plateau as suggested by satellite images. And it seems China is planning a Doklam 2.0 like retreat near the Indian border," Randeep Singh Surjewala, in-charge of the AICC Communication Department told reporters.

The Congress leaders displayed satellite images of the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction showing two-storey structures, watch towers, helipads in the Doklam plateau that was the epicentre of the tense 72-day stand-off between India and China last year.

"The satellite imagery and media reports suggest that China has set up military establishments in Doklam near the Indian border which indicates that India's security and strategic interests have been compromised," Surjewala said.

He accused the Prime Minister of "mastering the art of electoral rhetoric" as he has "failed miserably to ensure the protection of our borders." He also attacked External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who had informed Parliament in August about "expeditious disengagement" by Chinese and Indian troops in the region.

Surjewala said the conflicting statements by Modi and Swaraj make one wonder whether they were "misleasing" the nation on matters related to national security.

He said after the tensions at Doklam were resolved, the Chinese Foreign Ministry had said that while it had withdrawn the troops, it would keep on patrolling the area.

The Congress leader demanded to know how the issue of tri-junction at Doklam would be decided in future when China had occupied the entire plateau.

"In October, Modiji announced at a public rally the Doklam issue as a victory. However, the satellite imagery released in media reports suggest that Chinese troops have constructed military establishments," Surjewala said recalling that Modi had famously talked of showing "red eyes" to China.