North East News Agency

The Government is aware of the fact that maps and globes depicting Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as integral parts of China are being sold and circulated in the Communist nation, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.

Replying a question in Rajya Sabha, the Union Minister further informed that the government has conveyed to the Chinese side that Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh are integral parts of India.

The two countries are also engaged in discussions to arrive at a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question at an early stage, Mr. Mukherjee stated. While replying to another question, the Union Minister said tht the government is watchful of China’s plans to lay a railway line through bordering areas adjoining India and connecting other cities of China with the capital of Tibet, Lhasa.

The External Affairs Minister  more said that the government was also alert towards the media reports stating China’s proposal to extend the said railway line to Khunjarb Pass situated along the border of Pakistan and China. Mr. Mukherjee also said the government has proposed to the Chinese side to open an alternative route to Kailash Mansarowar, through Demchok in Jammu and Kashmir. During the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao, the two sides agreed to explore its possibility.

India has conveyed its concern over China’s reported plan to build a dam on Brahmaputra river and divert 200 billion cubic metres water annually to its ageing Yellow river, Mr. Mukherjee said the issue was taken up during the visit of Chinese President in November last year. Various issues of mutual interest, including India-China boundary question, two-way investment flows and cooperation relating to trans-border rivers were discussed. Meanwhile, it is learnt that India and China might undertake a joint expedition in the Himalayas in June to trace the exact source of Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers.

This was stated by Minister of State for Water Resources, Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav said six scientists from each side and two climbers from India including supporting members are scheduled to undertake a joint expedition in June. The study area is mainly restricted in Tibet and the Brahmaputra River Valley, the Minister added. A number of initiatives were also  announced to consolidate institutional linkage between the two governments, encourage comprehensive economic engagement, promote trans-border connectivity and cooperation and enhance science and technology, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

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