New Delhi, July 28: In a clear rejection of China's claim, India today asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is its integral part and that this "historical fact" cannot be changed by anyone.
"Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and this historical fact cannot be changed by anybody," an External Affairs Ministry spokesman told reporters.
He was asked about comments by the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman that China does not recognise the north eastern state as a part of India and that the recent intrusion across the Line of Actual Control was in fact made by Indian security personnel in Chinese territory.
"I will not make further comments on this matter. We have already stated our position on it," the spokesman said.
India had taken up with Beijing through diplomatic channels the "transgression" of the LAC by a Chinese patrol on June 26 in Asaphila area of upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
New Delhi said this was an area where there were differences in the perception of the LAC between the two sides. Bureau Report