Bharat has vehemently dismissed recent objections raised by China regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a robust statement asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of Bharat, and visits by Indian leaders to the state are routine and legitimate. The Bharatiya government emphasized that China’s objections to such visits or developmental projects lack justification.
In response to Chinese criticism, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Objecting to such visits or India’s developmental projects does not stand to reason.” He reiterated Bharat’s firm stance that Arunachal Pradesh has always been and will remain an integral part of the country. Bharatiya authorities have consistently communicated this position to their Chinese counterparts on numerous occasions.
Our response to media queries regarding the comments by China MFA Spokesperson on the visit of Prime Minister to Arunachal Pradesh:https://t.co/svTZstfTq8 pic.twitter.com/8VqYC4m0T1
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 12, 2024
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin had criticized PM Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, rejecting Bharat’s claim over the region. China considers Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territory, referred to as Zangnan or South Tibet. Wang warned that Bharat’s actions in the region would further complicate the unresolved border issue between the two countries and create negative disturbances.
PM Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel during his visit, which was constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 825 crore. This tunnel, part of the road network connecting Tawang to Assam’s Tezpur, is significant for improving connectivity and troop movement in the region. The project faced delays due to various reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased costs.
The Sela Tunnel comprises two tunnels, the first being 980 meters long and the second 1.5 kilometers, with an escape tube for emergencies. Constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), it is crucial for facilitating the movement of troops and weaponry along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been actively involved in constructing approach roads to the tunnel, totaling over 8 kilometers.
Bharat has consistently rejected China’s territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, reaffirming its sovereignty over the region. Despite efforts to resolve border disputes through dialogue, tensions between Bharat and China remain high, particularly following clashes in the Ladakh region in June 2020. Both countries continue to assert their claims over disputed territories while engaging in diplomatic talks to ease tensions.
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