UPA 'lethargic' on Chinese incursions: Jayalalithaa

AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa today accused the UPA government of showing "lethargy" in handling the Chinese incursions and ceasefire breach by Pakistan, and demanded a tough approach be adopted in matters related to the national security.

She alleged that the "aggressive" neighbouring countries view India as a "softest and least assertive state" when it comes to international relations.

Terming as "alarming" the reports of Chinese incursions in certain places and firing by the Pakistani Army, Jayalalithaa said it was "pathetic" about the UPA government that even before the countries concerned went on a denial mode, India gave them a "clean chit."

"What we want is a government with steel in its spine, not jelly. Otherwise, India would become a punching bag hit around by just about anyone who takes a fancy to do so," she said in a strongly-worded statement.

Jayalalithaa said the government should have convened a meeting chaired by national security advisor MK Narayanan at least a fortnight ago when the incursions came to light

"The lethargy in even convening such a meeting of officials, all available in Delhi, is indicative of the apathy of this Union government in this issue," she alleged.