Settle border row, stop renaming places, China told

New Delhi, January 6

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India today pulled up China for “renaming” 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,” 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 Siyom river as “XiYueMu” or even Kibithu as “Daba” does not alter the fact that Arunachal Pradesh has always been and will always be an inalienable part of India, he added. Commenting on the reports about a bridge being built by the Chinese on Pangong lake, Bagchi said the activity was being closely watched. “The construction is being undertaken in areas that have been under illegal occupation by China for around 60 years now. You are well aware India has never accepted such illegal occupation,” he said.

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, over the past 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. “The government remains committed to this objective,” he said.

The MEA also took umbrage to political counsellor at the Chinese Embassy writing letters to Indian MPs saying substance, tone and tenor of the letters 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 further complicate the situation in our bilateral relations,” he said.

Commenting on media reports about PLA unfurling a flag at Galwan Valley, he said that was not factually correct. Media houses in India had released pictures contradicting the claim, he said. — TNS