(TibetanReview.net, Feb25, 2015) – Four days after China strongly protested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, India has reasserted Feb 24 that the state was “integral and inalienable” part of the country, reported PTI news agency. It has added that Indian leaders visit the state like other parts of the country.
Besides, the people of Arunachal Pradesh are citizens of India, India’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson was quoted as saying while answering questions during a live ‘Q&A’ session on Facebook.
Modi had visit Arunachal Pradesh earlier in the month to participate in the state’s 29th founding day and also flagged off the Naharlagun-New Delhi Express railway service by pressing a button at a function held in the state capital Itanagar.
The development took place as both the countries prepared for Modi’s visit to Beijing in May.
Also, all the political parties in Arunachal Pradesh have strongly objected to China’s criticism over Modi’s visit, reasserting the state’s status as an Indian territory. “We are very happy and proud to be Indian and there is no ambiguity in our status,” PTI Feb 23 quoted BJP state president Tai Tagak as saying. He called on China to give up its expansionist policy because “the world of today does not accept it”.
“It is a fashion of China to object when President or Prime Minister visit our state,” Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Padi Richo was quoted as saying.
A group called Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has also criticised China’s stance. “China has no right to object in the internal affairs of India or term Arunachal Pradesh as disputed zone. The state is the part and parcel of India since time immortal,” ACS chairman Patey Tayum was quoted as saying in a statement.