There is no political angle behind the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, says Minister Kiren Rijiju
The Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh is ‘purely religious,’ Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday.
China has objected to the Dalai Lama’s visit as it considers Arunachal Pradesh as disputed territory and has referred to him as a “separatist.”
“China is trying to project his Holiness the Dalai Lama as a political person; we don’t have any intention to engage the Dalai Lama with an objective to irritate China,” Mr.Rijiju told The Hindu in an interaction.
Mr. Rijiju represents Arunachal Pradesh in the Lok Sabha and is a practising Buddhist.
“Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of India and China should not object to his visit and interfere in India’s internal affairs,” he told reporters.
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that no unnecessary controversy should be created in his visit and that he has visited Arunachal Pradesh earlier on six occasions.
Opening of trade routes
Mr.Rijiju also called for opening of the trade routes along the McMahon Line. “Traditional border trading points along the McMahon Line has stopped. If we revive it through Arunachal Pradesh, it would benefit both the countries,” he said.
CM welcomes Dalai Lama
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu received the Dalai Lama when he reached the State on Monday. Mr. Rijiju will accompany him to Nafra to inaugurate a monastry.
Tawang visit rescheduled
The Dalai Lama has rescheduled his visit to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh as his chopper could not take off due to inclement weather in the region and will instead reach Bomdila in West Kameng district by road from Guwahati by late evening, his private secretary said.
