Arunachal Pradesh has no linkages with China, says Union Minister Kiren Rijiju

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju firmly rejects China's claim on Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing that the State is an integral part of India.

Union Minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju has strongly dismissed China's claim of association with Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that historically there are no linkages with that country and the state is an integral part of India.

His comments came following renewed assertions by the Chinese military regarding Arunachal Pradesh's status as an "inherent part of China's territory." Beijing had also objected to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the northeastern State.

"Historically, we have no linkages or connections with China. So there is no question of Arunachal being part of China. By claiming the State’s territory it will not change the position on the ground. Our position is very clear. Arunachal Pradesh is an Indian territory. It is our sovereign right to develop our own territory and nobody can object us," Mr. Rijiju, the Earth Sciences minister told PTI in an interview.

Mr. Rijiju, who represents Arunachal West Parliamentary seat, also reiterated that the State is an integral part of India, and highlighted the state's sovereign right to develop its territory unimpeded.

The Minister also rejected Beijing's objections to Prime Minister's visit to the State.

He said the Prime Minister or any of the central government agencies and for that matter any Indian can go to any part of Arunachal Pradesh as the northeastern State is a part of the Indian union.

"We are not bothered about what China says," he added.