China has occupied Indian territory in Ladakh, how will Modi govt take back our land: Sonia Gandhi asks Centre

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi in a video message on Friday. (Photo:ANI)

New Delhi (ANI): Targetting the BJP-led Central government over the border stand-off with China, Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Friday said that the Chinese army has occupied Indian territory in Ladakh and asked "how will the Modi government take back our land".

She further reiterated that the Centre cannot back away from its responsibilities. "The Chinese army has occupied Indian territory in Ladakh. How will Modi government take back our land? Today, people are standing beside the army and our soldiers. The government should give full support to the army. This is true patriotism," she added.

Gandhi, in a video message on 'Shaheedon Ko Salaam Divas', said that the Central government should extend full support to the Indian armed forces.

"Today, when there is a crisis at the Indo-China border, the Central government cannot back away from its responsibilities. The Prime Minister said that there is no incursion on Indian territory. However, Defence Minister and Foreign Minister have repeatedly mentioned Chinese incursion," the Congress interim chief said.

This comes days after 20 Indian Army personnel lost their lives in a violent face-off with the Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan valley. "Generals of our army, defence experts, and news outlets have confirmed Chinese incursion in our territory. If what Prime Minister Modi is saying is true, how did 20 Indian Army personnel lose their lives?" she asked.

The Congress leader said that the Congress and the people of India are observing 'Shaheedon Ko Salaam Divas' to pay their respect and tribute to the martyrs.

"Twenty of our soldiers were martyred while trying to prevent Chinese incursion in Ladakh's Galwan valley. The country will always be indebted to their service. We are proud of our soldiers and the army. We are safe because our army secures the country by putting their lives at stake," she said. (ANI)

PM Modi interacts with people in UP, hears their experiences amid COVID-19

Photo: ANI

New Delhi (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with several people in Uttar Pradesh and listened to their experiences about their employment amid the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

At the launch of "Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan" on Friday, held through video conferencing the Prime Minister discussed with Tilak Ram, a farmer and a beneficiary of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana from the district of Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh on his experiences and feedback.

Interacting with Tilak Ram, the Prime Minister joked with him saying that now that he has a new house so many relatives and guests must be visiting his house.
Prime Minister also asked the farmer what will he give him. To this, the farmer said that he wishes him to remain Prime Minister of the country forever. This brought laughter on the face of the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister asked for a promise that he will continue to make his children study. To which the farmer replied in affirmative.

Prime Minister Modi also interacted Kurbaan Ali, a returnee from Mumbai, where he was working as a master mason and who has now returned to his home district of Siddharthnagar.

Kurbaan Ali shared that with public works underway in the village he and his brother are now working in these projects.

The Prime Minister also interacted with Nagendra Singh, from Gorakhpur. Singh who was previously working in Ahmedabad has now decided to stay on and work in his home village, shared experiences under COVID-19, and future plans.

The Prime Minister also spoke with Deepu from Jalaun district. Deepu ji, who was previously working in Hyderabad, has now gained gainful employment close to his village on the Bundelkhand Expressway project.

Prime Minister Modi interacted with Vineeta Pal, leading a Self Help Group (in Gonda district). Vineeta shared her plans regarding her work for the future with the Prime Minister. (ANI)