Article Posted on : - May 01, 2012

NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian Government said the Defence Ministry has received reports about a military exercise by China involving live firing of heavy and specialised equipment.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Defence Minister A K Antony said, "Reports regarding conduct of exercise by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) have been received. These exercises involved employment and live firing of heavy and specialised equipment like armoured vehicles, artillery pieces, fighter aircraft etc."

The minister denied that any protest was lodged with China for conducting these exercises, saying "these exercises are an internal matter of China."

The place of the exercise, however, was not mentioned in the reply.

On security measures taken by India following such exercises, Antony said, "The security situation is reviewed by the government from time to time and necessary action is taken thereon. This is a continuous process."

In reply to another question on activities by Pakistan in border areas, he said, "Border Security Force (BSF) has always raised objection to such construction and lodged strong protests with concerned Pakistan Rangers. There is reportedly no encroachment activity by Pakistan in the Indian Maritime Zone in the Arabian Sea."

Construction activities involving bunkers, towers and outposts are undertaken by any country beyond 150 yards from its international boundary, Antony added.

He also denied that any anti-India broadcasting activity by Pakistan has been noticed in the border areas of Gujarat.