India will construct roads within its territory: Rijiju

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that China's move to construct railway lines and roads along the border is nothing new, and added that the more important thing is that India must do what is necessary by constructing roads and infrastructure within Indian Territory.

When asked to comment on China's approval to construct a railway line near Arunanchal Pradesh border, Rijiju said, "The Chinese move to construct railway lines and roads along the border is nothing new. They have been doing it for a long time and they are doing it in extensive manner. I am not here to challenge what the Chinese do, my concern is that we must do what is necessary from our side. We are going to construct roads and infrastructure within our territory."

Earlier, when Rijiju had made a statement regarding construction of roads near the border, the Chinese military spokesperson had said in response that India shouldn't complicate the situation at the border.

Commenting on this Rijiju said that the Chinese shouldn't have any problem with his statement because he as a member of parliament from Arunanchal Pradesh has a constitutional right and obligation to do whatever is necessary to strengthen the border region.

"Chinese should not have problem with anything I have said, I didn't say that we are going to do anything on their side. I am Member of Parliament from Arunanchal, I have constitutional right and obligation to do whatever is necessary for our territory," Rijiju said.

"I am also a minister looking after border management, therefore Chinese reaction to my statement is unnecessary," he added.

Earlier today, on the backdrop of India's plans to improve the road network along the border regions of Arunachal Pradesh, China made an official announcement about the construction of the new rail line linking Lhasa to Nyingchi which would come close to the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh.