PM must raise border, visa issues with Chi: APCC

From our correspondent

Itagar, May 8: Aruchal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Padi Richo said that Prime Minister rendra Modi should raise the boundary and stapled visa issue with Chi during his three-day visit to Beijing from May 14 next.“His visit as per media reports seems to be crucial as he will hold bilateral meetings with the country’s leadership and participate in cultural and business events. But one thing he should not forget to discuss with the Chinese premier the issue of Aruchal Pradesh and part of Assam and the persistent claim of Chi over this Indian Territory,” Richo said in a statement here.

“If the Modi government thinks it can do whatever it takes to protect the tiol integrity and tiol security of the country then Modi as the leader himself should prove that and frankly speak out on the border issue this time,” he said.The APCC chief also requested the PM to include Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of State for Sports & Youth Affairs (Independent Charge), Sarbanda Sonowal and other Northeast MPs in his delegation.

“The NDA government should not forget about the conspicuous absence of Kiren Rijiju from the delegation-level talks during Chinese President visit to India on September 18 last year,” Richo pointed out.“With Union Home Minister, Rajth Singh flying out to Nepal on the same day, Rijiju, was expected to represent the ministry at the talk. This showed that the Modi government is playing a double standard game with the security of the NE people particularly Aruchal Pradesh,” he alleged.

“One year has completed. Modi is still keeping mum with the Staple Visa issue that has barred many Aruchalees to visit Chi. Modi should not forget to raise the issue issue on his upcoming tour to Beijing,” he added.