Arunachal renaming row: China’s move designed to deter India from allowing Dalai Lama’s future visit to state, says report

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama arrives at the Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery in Bomdila in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India April 4, 2017. REUTERS/Anuwar Hazarika

“Unlike the Dalai Lama’s previous visit to the state in 2009, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju accompanied him on this visit, likely increasing China’s mistrust over New Delhi’s intentions. Beijing’s decision to standardise the names of six areas in Arunachal Pradesh will be viewed as a provocation from the Indian establishment, who consider the state to be an integral part of the country, and is likely to deepen mistrust over unresolved border issues and maritime disputes,” added Goel.

Another China expert opined last week that the six places renamed by China recently have some relative significance to the Buddhist spiritual leader. Srikanth Kondapalli, a professor of Chinese studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University told PTI that the move is “just an attempt to show its severe displeasure to India” for allowing the Dalai Lama to visit the Tawang monastery in Arunachal Pradesh.

The six places span the breadth of the state — Wo’gyainling in the west, Bumo La in the east and the other four located in central Arunachal Pradesh. (source: Google Map)

Meanwhile, China has dismissed India’s charge, saying it is its ‘lawful right’ to do so. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang had last week said Beijing’s position on the eastern section of the India-China boundary is clear and consistent, in a veiled reference to Arunachal Pradesh. “Relevant names have been used by ethnic Momba and Tibetan Chinese who have lived here for generations. So it is a fact that cannot be changed. To standardise these names and publicise them is a legitimate measure based on our lawful right,” he had said.

The renaming controversy erupted on Thursday when China had announced it’s decision to ‘standardise’ official names for six places in Arunachal Pradesh terming their move as ‘legitimate action’. India responded promptly saying Arunachal is an integral part of India.

The six areas renamed by China are Wo’gyainling, Mila Ri, Qoidengarbo Ri, Mainquka, Bumo La and Namkapub Ri. The corresponding names with their latitude and longitude taken into account list these places as Tawang, Kra Daadi, West Siang, Siang, Anjaw and Subansiri respectively.