Chinese threat should not be ignored: RSS

Expressing concern over "certain activities of China in recent times," RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat today urged the Centre not to ignore "the Chinese threat" and deal with it firmly.

"China extended full support to the Maoists in Nepal, has influence over the Pakistani army with plans to set up a military base there, is expanding Siachen Road and has also spread its tentacles over Sri Lanka and Maldives," Bhagwat told a public rally at the Khanapara Veterinary ground here.

"These are dangerous trends and the Indian government should take immediate steps to counter them," he said.

Bhagwat blamed the Indian government's "lack of vision" for the present situation and said China has extended its influence upon all the neighbouring countries".

"Our neighbours wanted India to play a big role in the region but it is mainly due to our government's failure and lack of vision that China took advantage of the situation and increased its influence on them," he said.

"We cannot allow further division of India," Bhagwat asserted and said the message should go out strong and clear that while India will not disturb anybody, but if there is a move by any foreign element to create disturbances on our soil we should be prepared to give them a befitting reply.