TAWANG, Sept 29: China has no claim over Arunachal
Pradesh as the state has always been part of India, chief
minister Pema Khandu asserted on Friday.
Referring to the recent denial of regular visa to three Wushu
players from Arunachal Pradesh for the Asian Games in
Hangzhou, he said China ‘unnecessary’ tries to bring a
‘political angle’ whenever there is an issue related to the
border state.
”China has no claim over Arunachal Pradesh. Never in history
has Arunachal Pradesh been part of China. It has always been
integral part of India,” he said on the sidelines of the 36th
senior national tug of war championship 2023 that began
here.
The three Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh were
selected to represent India in the ongoing Asian Games but
China gave them stapled visa leading to cancellation of their
visit.
Khandu said China had even given a new name to Arunachal
Pradesh and released a new map but the country has no
locus standi on it.
”Such claim has no meaning,” he said, adding that the
Ministry of External Affairs has handled the issue since that is
the appropriate authority.
Referring to the three Wushu players, the chief minister said
the state government has given Rs 20 lakh each as a policy to
reward anyone from Arunachal Pradesh participating in
international competitions.
”Since they were selected for the Asian Games and could not
go for no fault of theirs, we have decided to give them the
money,” he said.
Khandu said the state government will ensure best training
for the three players for their preparation for the 2026 Asian
Games to be held in Japan so that they can bring laurels.
Welcoming the players participating the national tug of war
competition, he said Arunachal Pradesh is rich in biodiversity
with 80 per cent area is covered by forests.
”It is a very beautiful state with clean air and tourists are
most welcome to the state,” he said.
The chief minister also said that it is an attractive destination
for adventure tourism like river rafting. PTI
