Date:29/03/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/03/29/stories/2009032954830900.htm

National

Pranab objects to Beijing’s remarks on Arunachal Pradesh

Indrani Dutta

Reports say China has blocked an ADB loan for the State

— PHOTO: SUSHANTA PATRONOBISH

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee alights from a helicopter at Jangipur on Friday during campaigning.

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

Talking to The Hindu here on Saturday, Mr. Mukherjee said China’s demands were unreasonable and untenable. “We are not prepared to accept this.”

He was talking after a hectic round of campaigning at interior villages in the Khragram Assembly segment of 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 China has blocked the loan on the ground that the State is part of it 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.

No forum needed

Asked whether India would take up this issue at 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.”