Pakistan will have to authenticate the Actual Ground Position Line in the Siachen Glacier before any forward movement could be made to resolve the issue, Defence Minister A K Antony said on Monday.
"The question of any forward movement comes only after Pakistan authenticates the AGPL. Discussions are continuing and there is no solution so far," Antony told reporters after addressing the Unified Commanders'-in-Chief Conference.
Responding to questions, Antony said, "Our position from the beginning has been made very clear that before any forward movement is made, we must authenticate the AGPL." The defence minister 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, "Ten rounds of negotiations have already taken place and further discussions are taking place."
To questions on building of infrastructure by China across the Line of Actual Control, the defence 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.
The defence minister 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 thing. Nobody can prevent us," he said.
The Prime Minister's Office and the defence ministry were directly carrying out infrastructure development especially on the Arunachal border through the Border Roads Organisation.
To questions on infiltration of terrorists from Bangladesh border, Antony said it was primarily for the state governments and paramilitary forces to take action. "The army's role does not arise," he said.
Asked about the role of armed forces in tackling the Maoist menace, he said, "We don't want the involvement of Army in this. We don't want army to tackle civilian problems. It is the duty of state governments and paramilitary forces. We can assist them by giving training and equipment."
