China announces names for six places in Arunachal Pradesh

China has unilaterally announced ‘standardised’ names for six places in Arunachal Pradesh. It is felt that Chinese move comes as a retaliation against Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh. Experts feel that China’s announcement is aimed at reaffirming its territorial sovereignty over the region.
According to the Chinese foreign ministry, change of names was a legitimate action carried out in line with Chinese law.
China has named the six places in Arunachal Pradesh with Roman alphabet as Wo’gyainling, Mila Ri, Qoidêngarbo Ri, Mainquka, Bümo La and Namkapub Ri. The name Wo’gyainling is likely to be given to the Ugyen Ling monastery (birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama), Qoidêngarbo Ri is likely to be the name given to Choten Karpo Ri, Mainquka is likely to be Mechuka in West Siang district and Bümo La is likely to be Bumla.
During the visit of Dalai Lama, Union minister of state for home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, had categorically asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable and integral part of India.

Background

During the recent visit of Dalai Lama China issued warnings and repeated calls to cancel his visit. But India turned down his request saying that Dalai Lama is free to travel across the country.
According to China, Arunachal Pradesh is part of South Tibet and has close Buddhist links to the Tibet Autonomous Region. Official Chinese maps show Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet. The Indo-China border dispute ensues the 3,488 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). So far both the have held 19 rounds of talks to resolve the boundary dispute.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2017