In New Delhi, Congress leader Pawan Khera has voiced strong criticism against the Indian government's response to China's establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture, which includes parts of Ladakh. Khera urged the government to take the issue seriously, stating that the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) objections were insufficient.
Khera accused China of gaining confidence from a "clean chit" given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2020, following Chinese incursions. He emphasized that the area in question has historically belonged to India and called for a stronger stance from the government.
Khera also expressed concerns about China's plan to build a mega-dam on the Brahmaputra River, which could affect Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. He argued that this project undermines India's interests in the northeastern region.
The MEA has lodged a strong protest with China, asserting that parts of the new counties fall within Ladakh's territory and that India has never accepted China's "illegal occupation." MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the creation of new counties will not affect India's stance on sovereignty over the area.
Last week, Chinese media reported that the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region announced the establishment of He'an County and Hekang County, both administered by Hotan Prefecture. This move was approved by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council.
Pawan Khera is a leader from the Indian National Congress, a major political party in India. He often speaks on behalf of the party on various issues.
Ladakh is a region in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and unique culture. It is a Union Territory, which means it is directly governed by the central government of India.
Hotan Prefecture is an area in the Xinjiang region of China. It is located near the border with India, which is why changes there can affect India.
The Ministry of External Affairs is a part of the Indian government that handles India's relations with other countries. They work on issues like diplomacy and international agreements.
The Brahmaputra River is a major river that flows through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh. It is very important for the people living in northeastern India for water and agriculture.
Sovereignty means having full control or authority over a certain area or territory. When India talks about its sovereignty, it means it has the right to govern and make decisions about its own land.
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