Author: Editorial
Publication: The Times of India
Date: February 15, 2008
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Stop_the_Heckling/articleshow/2771803.cms
It is not surprising that China had unhappy
words to say about Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's recent visit to Arunachal
Pradesh. After all, the Chinese are master hecklers, shooting off statements
meant to rile India even as they engage in formal talks to supposedly resolve
the boundary dispute.
Provocations from Beijing are routine. For
instance, recall how it refused to grant a visa to an IAS officer from Arunachal
Pradesh last year because he was a 'citizen of China' by virtue of being from
the state and, therefore, did not need a visa.
This time, though the protest is not in the
form of an official note from Beijing - a junior Chinese diplomat lodged it
with the Indian embassy in China - the intention is the same. To needle New
Delhi.
We welcome New Delhi's sharp reply to Beijing
that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and the prime minister
has every right to visit any sovereign part of this country. Singh's visit
was significant.
He was the first prime minister to visit the
state in 12 years. It was important because there is a lingering notion among
the people of Arunachal Pradesh that New Delhi does not care as much about
their state or their concerns as it should.
It is a grievance that is not completely unfounded
and is shared by other states in the north-east. Addressing this discontent
is an urgent task for the central and state governments. Otherwise, statements
like the one the PM made during his visit - Arunachal Pradesh as India's land
of the rising sun - will ring hollow.
In the past we have advised New Delhi to not
get worked up about Beijing's rhetoric. However, it is now time for Beijing
to be dignified. It does not augur well for the efforts both countries are
making to resolve the border dispute and generally foster better bilateral
ties if China speaks in two voices.
If it is committed to an official dialogue
with India, it cannot lodge protests every now and then from the sidelines.
After decades of frosty relations, bilateral relations appear to be making
some headway. Singh's recent trip to China went off better than expected and
India genuinely wants better relations with its neighbour.
New Delhi does not make unwarranted statements
about Taiwan or Tibet. Beijing should take note of the diplomatic courtesy
accorded to it by New Delhi and reciprocate. After all, Pakistan does not
officially protest when an Indian prime minister visits Kashmir, does it?