‘Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India’
BISHESHWAR MISHARA / NEW DELHI
India has hit out at Pakistan for its recent remarks on flag hoisting ceremony at Ram temple, stressing that the neighbouring country has no moral standing to lecture others. Briefing media in New Delhi this evening, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, New Delhi rejects the remarks with the contempt they deserve. He pointed out that Pakistan is a country with a deeply stained record of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of its minorities. He asked Pakistan to turn its gaze inwards and focus on its own abysmal human rights record.
Pakistan had criticised PM Modi’s participation at the flag hoisting ceremony at the Ram temple on Tuesday that marked the formal completion of its construction.
The Pakistan foreign office expressed “deep concern” over the ceremony and referred to construction of the temple at the site of the Babri Mosque and alleged that it is a reflection of pressure on religious minorities in India.
On China
Replying to a question on China, the spokesperson said, Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India and no amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality. Mr Jaiswal reiterated that maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border regions is a prerequisite for the continued and overall development of India-China bilateral relations. He noted that since October last year, both sides have worked closely to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border regions. He remarked that arbitrary actions by China involving an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh are not helpful towards efforts being made by both sides to build mutual trust and understanding and move towards normalisation of bilateral relations.
On Sheikh Haseena’s extradition
On former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Haseena’s extradition request, the spokesperson said that a request has been received and it is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. He said India remains committed to the best interest of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country.