Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh: India asks China not to interfere in internal affairs

Amid persistent Chinese objections to the Dalai Lama's trip to Arunachal Pradesh, India said today that no "artificial controversy" should be created around the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit.

External Affairs Ministry also asserted that the government has clearly stated on several occasions that the Dalai Lama is a revered religious leader, who is deeply respected by the Indian people.

"No additional colour should be ascribed to his religious and spiritual activities and visits to various states of India," the Ministry said in a release.

The government, therefore, urges that no "artificial controversy" should be created around his present visit to Arunachal Pradesh, it said.

India also asked Beijing not to interfere in the internal matters saying, Arunachal Pradesh was its inseparable part.

Addressing to media, Minister of State (MoS) for Home Kiren Rijiju said, "India respects 'one-China' policy. We also expect China's reciprocal attitude"

"The Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh is completely religious and no political purpose should be derived from it," he added.

A wary China has kept a close watch ahead of the Dalai Lama's visit, starting today.

Earlier, the Chinese Foreign Ministry had warned India that the visit of the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims as part of Tibet, will cause "serious damage" to bilateral ties.