Arunachal integral part of India, says Rijiju, cites Krishna-Rukmani

NEW DELHI: Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India since ancient times, law minister Kiren Rijiju, also the Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal West, emphasised on Tuesday morning, hours before Parliament was to assemble to take up the issue of fresh clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in Tawang.
Though the minister had called a press briefing to highlight the cultural legacy of the country, he described Arunachal Pradesh as always being part of India, contrary to the claims made by China that all of the northeastern state was part of the Communist-ruled country and ‘illegally’ in occupation of India.
Rijiju said India has emerged as the number one soft power and the world acknowledges New Delhi’s importance. He said India has equally attached importance to development of infrastructure. He made a mention of the newly-built Donyi Polo airport in Itanagar — the third operational airport in Arunachal and 16th in northeast region.
Rijiju praised PM Modi for integrating the entire nation, visiting different corners of the country and donning their attire. He said the PM has demonstrated “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat” by enhancing interaction and mutual understanding of different cultures within the country.
“Rukmani from Arunachal Pradesh was heroically kidnapped by Lord Krishna to prevent her from being forced into an unwanted marriage. They travelled to Madhavpur Ghed and wed. Today, Gujarat and Arunachal celebrate this common ancient heritage,” he said.