The Hindu : National : Pranab objects to Beijing’s remarks

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Pranab objects to Beijing’s remarks

Indrani Dutta

Pranab Mukherjee

Jangipur (West Bengal): External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and China’s observations about the State are absolutely untenable.

Mr. Mukherjee said China’s demands were unreasonable and untenable. “We are not prepared to accept this.”

He was talking to The Hindu here on Saturday after a hectic round of campaigning at interior villages in the Khragram Assembly segment of the Jangipur constituency, from where he is contesting.

Mr. Mukherjee’s comments gain significance in the background of reports that China has objected to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) granting a loan to Arunachal Pradesh for two projects. Media reports have it that Beijing blocked the loan on the ground that the State is part of China and therefore India cannot get that loan.

“While there is absolutely no reason why the ADB should stop a loan to Arunachal Pradesh, nevertheless, we would like to complete the projects in Arunachal Pradesh on our own,” he said.

Asked whether India would take up this issue on any international forum, Mr. Mukherjee said: “Why should I take it up at any other forum? There is a regular government in Arunachal Pradesh . Even in the coming elections two representatives are to be elected to Parliament from this northeastern State.”

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