Raymond R Kharmujai

Shillong, Dec 19 (UNI) In order to foster a better relationship with China after its claims of Arunachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang has appealed to both New Delhi and Beijing to revive the traditional border trade routes between the two countries.

Mr Apang's statement assumed significance after the Chinese ambassador Sun Yuxi to India recently claimed that Arunachal Pradesh was an integral part of China.

"We are optimistic that the friendship between India and China would help either side to improve bilateral relations," Mr Apang told UNI at Arunachal Bhawan here.

On China's claim that entire Arunachal Pradesh as "Chinese territory", the Chief Minister reiterated that his state was very much an integral part of India and functioning under the Indian constitution.

"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had also made it clear that Arunachal Pradesh was not only an integral but also inalienable part of India," Mr Apang said.

"We will not allow part an inch of our territory to China and there nothing to negotiate with them as Arunachal was very much integral part of India," the Chief Minister stated.

At present, he said there is no security threat from China even after the latter claim that Arunachal Pradesh was part of their territory. However, Mr Apang said that the Centre has its own strategies to tackle with this issue.

"Our security forces are keeping a close vigil on the border to avoid of Chinese intrusion," Mr Apang said.

It may be recalled that Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Yuxi said "In our position, the whole of the state of Arunachal Pradesh is Chinese territory. And Tawang is only one of the places in it. We are claiming all of that. That is our position".

UNI RRK BA KLC1245