NEW DELHI, June 18: Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony said on Monday that Pakistan would have to authenticate the ‘Actual Ground Position Line’ (AGPL) on the Siachen Glacier before any forward movement could be made to resolve the issue.
“The question of any forward movement comes only after Pakistan authenticates the AGPL. Discussions are continuing and there is no solution so far,” Press Trust of India quoted Mr Antony as telling reporters after he addressed a Unified Commanders’-in-Chief Conference here. “Our position from the beginning has been made very clear that before any forward movement is made, we must authenticate the AGPL.” Pakistani officials said the comments appeared to be “pushing the issue back to square one”.
The defence minister also sought to downplay the recent controversy over China’s claims on Arunachal Pradesh, saying it was not a new thing. “They have their own position, we also have ours. Our categorical stand is that Arunachal Pradesh is part of India.” Observing that the border dispute was still unsettled, he said 10 rounds of negotiations had taken place and further discussions were taking place.
Replying to questions on building of infrastructure by China across the Line of Actual Control, the minister said: “They have the right to develop infrastructure in their territory, we also have the right to do so in ours.
“Whatever is needed for armed forces and people near the border, we are doing. We are trying to hasten the infrastructure development process in the border areas.” He said building of infrastructure along the LAC was not a new thing. “China has been building a lot of infrastructure -- rails, airports, roads. We are also doing the same.”
