Arunachal students protest China's 'hegemonic' claim

New Delhi, Nov 4 : A group of students from Arunachal Pradesh protesting China's 'jingoistic claim' over their state tried to hold a demonstration outside the Chinese embassy here Wednesday, but were prevented by the police.

Shouting slogans like "Born in India, (will) Die in India", activists of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), regretted the "lukewarm attitude and diplomatic romancing" of India with China over the issue.

China has voiced its protest over the Arunachal visits of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama later this week. Beijing claims the northeastern state is its territory.

"China's unrealistic and jingoistic claim over Arunachal is a matter of mental agony for the peace loving and patriotic people of the state," AAPSU president Takam Tatum told reporters at the Press Club of India.

"We express our deep sense of concern and resentment over China's expansionist designs to expand its sovereignty over our motherland," Tatum said.

"Guided by its hegemonic and arrogant attitude, China still considers our state a buffer land and a no mans land rich in hydro power, flora and fauna which shall immensely benefit China if they successfully grab this coveted area," he said.

He alleged that scores of his activists were detained by Delhi Police when they attempted to stage the protest.

"We wanted to send a message to China that people of Arunachal Pradesh consider and believe that the state is an integral part of India. Soldiers from Arunachal Pradesh have sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty of India in the 1962 war against China," he said.

--IANS