Earlier when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Arunachal Pradesh on February 15, China has voiced its ‘firm opposition’.
In a strong reaction to China’s objection, India on Saturday said its leaders and people have the right to visit the northeastern state, asserting that it is an integral part of the country.
“Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. Our leaders and people have the right to visit the state,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters when asked about Chinese objection.
Read also – China opposes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh
Modi had on Thursday visited Arunachal Pradesh after which China, asked India to refrain from taking any action that may ‘complicate’ the boundary question. This was because China claims Arunachal Pradesh is part of the South Tibet, reported TNT.
Reacting to Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency that “The Chinese government has never recognized the so-called Arunachal Pradesh and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader’s visit to the disputed area.”
India-China border dispute stretches across 3,488 kilometres. Both sides have held 20 rounds of talks so far through their special representatives to resolve the issue.