Rijiju disapproves Chinese engineers in Arunachal's oil sect

Itanagar, Jun 26 (UNI) Mr Kiren Rijiju, a Lok Sabha member representing Arunachal Pradesh in Indian parliament, today criticized the Centre for approving Chinese oil companies to provide manpower and equipment to India for oil exploration at Kharsang and Jairampur in Changlang district.

"Arunachal is a sensitive state with China's claim on its territory. Direct or indirect involvement of a Chinese company should not be allowed in the state as security concerns must first be addressed before giving clearance to any foreign company'', he commented while interacting with newspersons at a function at Doimukh this afternoon.

He said that four Chinese engineers have already arrived and currently sharing expertise and knowledge to Indian oil companies executing exploration works at Kharsang and Jairampur.

He disclosed that he had discussed the matter with the Indian companies and they have assured him to take care of the security aspect of the state.

"I am not convinced with their reply and decided to raise the matter on the floor of Parliament'', he emphatically said adding, if BJP returned to power at the Centre, the first priority would be to return the Chinese equipment and manpower out of Arunachal.

He said, any explanation in this matter should come from the Chinese Embassy in India but not from the oil companies.

Disclosing that he had brought the matter before the Union home affairs ministry, the MP disclosed the ministry had already initiated an inquiry into the matter and the report was awaited.

''We must understand the sentiment of the people of the state, otherwise a serious repercussion will emerge'', he said adding that he did not want a bitter relations between the two Asian giants but at the same time China should stop playing pressure tactics.

The MP will leave for Shimla to attend an all-party conference on MacMohan line slated for July 3.

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