CM Khandu and Union Minister Rijiju call Arunachal Pradesh as integral part of India; slam China’s renaming attempt

Itanagar: In a strong rebuke to China’s recent attempt to rename several places within Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju have vehemently denounced the move, reaffirming Arunachal Pradesh’s integral part of India.

Chief Minister Khandu, expressing his disdain on the microblogging site X, labelled China’s actions as another “gimmick”, CM Khandu wrote, “Another gimmick from China.

Being a proud citizen of Bharat and a native of Arunachal Pradesh, I strongly condemn this act of naming of places within Arunachal Pradesh which has been an inalienable integral part of India. Proud citizens and patriots of Arunachal Pradesh are rejecting such antics.” Asserting his pride as both an Indian citizen and a native of Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu emphasised the state’s unwavering commitment to India. He condemned China’s attempt to alter the geographical names within Arunachal Pradesh, denouncing it as baseless and incompatible with historical facts. Khandu highlighted the resolute rejection of such tactics by the proud citizens and patriots of Arunachal Pradesh.

Echoing Khandu’s sentiments, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned China’s actions, emphasising that their unfounded claims would not alter the ground reality or historical facts. Rijiju, taking to social media platform X, reiterated Arunachal Pradesh’s indisputable status as an integral part of India. He lauded the people of Arunachal Pradesh for their unwavering patriotism, underscoring their allegiance to the Indian nation.

This recent attempt by China marks the fourth instance of such efforts to rename locations within Arunachal Pradesh. India views these actions as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Arunachal Pradesh, a northeastern state, stands firmly united with India, rejecting China’s interference in naming its places.

The repeated endeavours by China to alter the names of locations within Arunachal Pradesh only serve to exacerbate tensions between the two nations. India remains steadfast in its defence of Arunachal Pradesh’s sovereignty, emphasising the need for mutual respect and adherence to established international norms. As the dispute continues, the people of Arunachal Pradesh reaffirm their allegiance to India, standing as a testament to the country’s unity and integrity in the face of external challenges.