- The Dalai Lama’s arrives in Arunachal Pradesh
- China claims Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet
- Minister of State Kiren Rijiju said the Dalai Lama’s visit is religious in nature, not political
India-China diplomatic tensions rose afresh over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, with New Delhi asserting on Tuesday that no political motive should be attributed to the visit and asked Beijing not to interfere in its internal affairs.
Beijing in a fresh salvo slammed the Dalai Lama as an "anti-China separatist" and attacked New Delhi indirectly for its support to the Tibetan leader.
Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who is from Arunachal Pradesh, said that no political motive should be attributed to Dalai Lama's trip. "India has always been non-interfering in the neighbours' internal affairs in our approach," Rijiju told reporters in New Delhi. "In the same manner, we expect the same from our neighbours," he said.
China in March said ties with India would be hit if New Delhi allowed the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh, which is claimed by Beijing as part of South Tibet.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said China was strictly opposed to the visit.
Geng said India knew the sensitivity of the border issue between both countries and allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh would damage its ties with China.
Asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is not a disputed territory, Rijiju said: "We have certain issues with regard to delineation of the boundary on the spots, on the ground along McMahon Line because it is not being demarcated on the ground. That is why there is a talk between the special representatives of India and China and the people of Arunachal Pradesh hope that an amicable solution can be reached in the foreseeable future time."
The Dalai Lama Gets a Welcome at Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastry
The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu welcomed His Holiness Dalai Lama at the Thubchof Gatsel Ling Monastry in Bomdila.
Dalai Lama Arrives
The Dalai lama arrives in Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh.
