The Centre briefed a few political parties here on Friday about the situation along the Chinese borders and the conditions in Jammu and Kashmir after the terrorist attack on Amarnath pilgrims.

In the presence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Ministry officials made two presentations on both the issues before the leaders. Parties such as the Congress, CPI(M), JD(U), SP, NCP, BSP, TRS, TDP and Trinamool Congress were present at the meeting.

After the meeting, various leaders told reporters that the Centre was asked to seek all diplomatic steps to engage China and to avoid a confrontation with the neighbour. The Home Ministry apparently told the leaders that China is encroaching into the territory of the country. Based on the presentations by the Home Ministry and the External Affairs Ministry, leaders who spoke expressed all support to the Centre’s efforts to avoid a conflict. They also wanted the Centre to seek stern action against the militants by taking the confidence of the people Kashmir.

The meeting was held at the Rajnath Singh’s house. The leaders were told by the government officials that Indian soldiers are facing problems from the Chinese side. The meeting was also told that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will visit China towards the end of this month to convey India’s stand to the neighbour.

Earlier in the day, Swaraj, Rajnath, Jaitley and Doval met ahead of the discussion with the Opposition parties, agency reports said. The Opposition is likely to raise the Kashmir and China standoff issues during Parliament’s Monsoon Session that begins on Monday.

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