India and its leaders are free to visit Arunachal: MEA

India on Thursday rejected China's objection to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is ''an integral part of the country'' and the Indian leaders are free to go anywhere in the state.

"Arunachal Pradesh is integral part of India and Indian leaders have that much freedom to visit Arunachal as they have in visiting other states in the country," external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

To a question on next round of talks between Special Representatives of India and China on the boundary question, Kumar said both sides are in touch with each other.
"We do not have any confirmed dates for talks as yet.

The two sides are in touch. Once we haves ome dates for it, we will let you know," he said during a media briefing.

On Monday, China had objected to Sitharaman's first visit to Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday and Sunday, saying her tour of the "disputed area" was not conducive to peace in the region.

Legal process for Zakir Naik's extradition nearing completion

India's legal process for approaching Malaysia for the extradition of Zakir Naik, charged by the NIA for radicalising youths, is "nearing completion" and soon an official request will be sent, MEA Raveesh Kumar said.

"The formal request for assistance of a foreign government is such case requires a legal process. We are nearing the completion of this exercise. Soon an official request will be made to the Malaysian government. The internal process we have to complete is also underway," he said.

PTI