Dorjee Khandu

Itanagar, Nov. 5: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu today said the state government would exercise restraint and refrain from taking any step that could provoke China despite the neighbouring country’s claim over large chunks of the state.

Khandu’s statement in the state Assembly comes a couple of days ahead of the visit of Tibetan leader-in-exile Dalai Lama’s weeklong visit to the Himalayan state, which Beijing has described “separatist activity”.

The Dalai Lama will arrive in Tawang, which China claims is disputed territory, on Sunday.

Khandu’s statement came in reply to a question from BJP legislator from Rumgong constituency Tamio Taga, who expressed concern over the mounting tension between India and China because of Beijing’s frequent claims over Arunachal Pradesh.

“Though the external affairs ministry deals with matters related to India and China and the state government hardly has any role to play or comment, as a state at the receiving end of China’s frequent claims, Arunachal Pradesh should maintain restraint and refrain from taking any step that can provoke China further,” Khandu said.

Taga urged the state government to appeal to the Centre to refrain from any steps which can provoke China.

Taking up other issues, Khandu admitted that his government could not fully implement the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission for want of adequate funds.

The state had received Rs 300 crore against the required amount of Rs 7,200 crore for the total implementation of the recommendations.

He also reiterated the state government’s pledge for judicious and time-bound implementation of the Prime Minister’s package, with special emphasis on developing the infrastructure of border areas.

Trinamul Congress MLA Laeta Umbrey assured the chief minister that his party would provide support to the Congress government, provided the state government revived the sick health and education department with utmost priority.

He also urged the state government not to succumb to pressure from students’ groups, which often play spoilsport to the government’s welfare initiatives in the state.

Khandu said his tenure as the chief minister since April 2007 ensured the payment of Rs 900 crore to generate 19,000MW hydropower in the state as against Rs 53 crore upfront amount received by the state for the generation of 20,600MW power till 2007.

The three-day Assembly session that began on Tuesday came to an end today.