NEW DELHI, Dec 14 � Allaying apprehension over China�s perceived designs, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday refuted the view that the neighbouring country was out to attack India, besides diverting Brahmaputra river.
�Our Government does not share the view that China is out to attack India,� Dr Singh said, replying to a Question Hour discussion in the Lok Sabha this morning.��I also do not share the view that there is positive evidence to show that China has diverted waters of the Brahmaputra river.
The Prime Minister intervened after Mulayam SinghYadav cautioned the Centre about China�s ultimate designs referring to incidents of repeated Chinese incursions and bid to divert Brahmaputra river.
�There are problems on the border.� But by and large, the border remains peaceful.� Peace and tranquillity has been maintained in the border areas,� asserted the Prime Minister, acknowledging that there were intrusions.
�But the Chinese perception of the Line of Control sometimes differs.� Therefore, some confusion is created.� These matters are sorted between the Area Commanders on both the sides,� he said.
�Relations between India and China are sensitive. Therefore, I think, great responsibility lies on all concerned not to say things which can be misunderstood,� the Prime Minister said. �India and China are two great neighbours.� Our policy has been � this is not a newpolicy and this was the policy also of the NDA regime � to engage China to find peaceful ways of resolving the border dispute. We made some progress in 2005,� Dr Singh said.
�Our Government agreed with China on the political parameters for the resolution of the border dispute. Since then not much progress has been made.� But peace and tranquillity continue to be maintained along the border.
�I have assurance at the highest level that the Chinese Government has the same intention with regard to the preservation of peaceand tranquillity along the border between our countries,� the Prime Minister said.
Earlier, Minister of State for External Affairs, E Ahamed said the relationship with China, India has always been following its national policy. �Wherever there is divergence in opinion, we always express our reservation,� he said.
