(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The Indian government on Wednesday asserted that Arunachal Pradesh, in the eastern part of the country, is an integral part of India and pledged to take all measures to protect its territorial integrity.
Addressing a press conference in Itanagar, capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju said that the government is committed to protect the territorial integrity of the state.
The remark comes in response to a Monday statement by China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying that Arunachal Pradesh - disputed by both the parties and ruled by India - is part of 'Southern Tibet'.
"There is nothing new in the claims of China. We are committed to protecting our territorial integrity with all sincerity and effort. There is no change in our position," the minister added.
He pointed out that during a recent visit to China, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed New Delhi's concern over the border issues and stapled visa issued to the residents of the state.
Rijiju assured citizens in the state, which shares border with China, that there is nothing "to worry about the situation because of statement from elsewhere. It will not change the reality on the ground." Two days earlier, the Chinese spokesperson said: "the Chinese government does not recognize the Mc Mahon line which is illegal," in response to a statement made by Indian national security advisor Ajit Doval.
The statement assumes importance as the Modi government has come under attack from the opposition parties in the country over the border issues and increasing attacks in Kashmir.
Premier Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh earlier this year led to heated exchange of words between the two countries. This has also prompted India to give exceptional powers to the Indian army deployed in the state to fire on militants there.
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