Settle border dispute instead of engaging in ‘antics’ like renaming places: India to China

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 6

India on Thursday pulled up China for “renaming’’ of places in Arunachal Pradesh and writing “inappropriate’’ letters to Indian MPs.  

“We hope that instead of engaging in such antics, China will work constructively with us to resolve the outstanding friction points in areas along the Western Sector of the LAC in India-China border areas,’’ said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

Noting media reports of the Chinese side naming some places in Arunachal Pradesh last week, Bagchi said India had immediately conveyed its views on “such a ridiculous exercise to support untenable territorial claims’’.

Calling Tuting as “DouDeng” or River Siyom as “XiYueMu” or even Kibithu as “Daba” does not alter the fact that Arunachal Pradesh has always been and will always remain an inalienable part of India, he added.

Commenting on the reports about a bridge being made by the Chinese side on Pangong lake, Bagchi said the Government has been monitoring this activity closely. This bridge is being constructed in areas that have been under illegal occupation by China for around 60 years now. “As you are well aware India has never accepted such illegal occupation,’’ he pointed out.

Separately, the Government has been taking all necessary steps to ensure that India’s security interests are fully protected. As part of these efforts, the Government has also, in the last seven years, increased significantly the budget for development of border infrastructure and completed more roads and bridges than ever before. These have provided much needed connectivity to the local population as well as logistical support to armed forces. “Government remains committed to this objective,’’ he said.

Chinese diplomat’s letter to Indian MPs was ‘inappropriate’ in style, tenor, says MEA

The MEA also took umbrage to Political Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy writing letters to Indian MPs whose substance, tone and tenor of the letter are inappropriate. “The Chinese side should note that India is a vibrant democracy and MPs, as representatives of the people, undertake activities as per their views and beliefs. We expect the Chinese side to refrain from hyping normal activities by MPs and complicate further the situation in our bilateral relations,’’ observed Bagchi. 

Commenting on media reports about PLA unfurling a flag at Galwan Valley, he said this is not factually correct. Media houses in India have released pictures contradicting the claim, he said.

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