While conceding there was a boundary question between the two countries, India said talks were going on
India today reacted sharply to the Chinese objection to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh last week, saying the statement was not “helpful” in the ongoing dialogue on the boundary issue being addressed by the two countries.
In a strongly-worded statement today, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “The people of Arunachal Pradesh are citizens of India, and they are proud participants in the mainstream of India’s vibrant democracy. The Chinese side is well aware of this position of the government of India. It is an established practice in our democratic system that leaders visit states where elections are held. The government of India is deeply committed to ensuring the welfare of its own citizens across the length and breadth of our country.”
On October 3, Manmohan Singh had addressed an election rally in Arunachal Pradesh, where Assembly polls were held today.
In response to the Chinese objection, the government said India was a democracy and such visits were a part of democracy in what is an integral and inalienable part of India.
While conceding there was a boundary question between the two countries, India said talks were going on and nothing should be done to impede negotiations.
More From This Section
“India is committed to resolving outstanding differences with China in a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable manner, while ensuring that such differences are not allowed to affect the positive development of bilateral relations. We hope the Chinese side will similarly abide by this understanding,” MEA spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said.
Reacting to China’s statement, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said: “Well, regardless of what others say, it is the government of India’s stated position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. We rest at that.”
New Delhi was “disappointed and concerned” over Beijing’s objection to the PM’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the ministry added.
Meanwhile, in a statement posted on its website, the Chinese government’s spokesman had said the country was strongly “dissatisfied with the visit to the disputed region by the Indian leader, disregarding China’s serious concerns.
“We demand the Indian side address China’s serious concerns and not trigger disturbances in the disputed region so as to facilitate the healthy development of China-India relations,” the spokesman said in the statement.