China warns India on Hazarika bridge
Source: The Sangai Express / IANS

Beijing, May 29 2017: China on Monday asked India to be "cautious" and exercise "restraint" over building infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, days after Prime Narendra Modi launched the country's longest bridge linking Assam with the State claimed by Beijing.

"We hope India adopts a cautious and restrained attitude on the issue before the final settlement of the border issue with China to jointly control disputes, safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas," the Chinese Foreign Ministry told IANS.

"China's position on the eastern section of the Sino-Indian border areas is consistent and clear," a statement in Chinese said.

"China and India should resolve territorial disputes through negotiations and consultations between the two countries," the foreign ministry said.

PM Modi last week opened the country's longest bridge+ over Brahmaputra river that connects Assam's easternmost region with Arunachal Pradesh, claimed and dubbed by China as South Tibet.

Dedicating to the Nation the 9.15 km-long bridge, named after Dadasaheb Phalke awardee and legendary lyricist-singer Bhupen Hazarika who hailed from Sadiya, the PM said it will serve as the foundation for a new economic revolution and help India in its efforts to become a superpower.

Speaking on the Act East Policy, the Prime Minister said he wanted the North East region to become a trade hub for southeast Asia by connecting the area for economic activity.

"For this, we are laying stress on development of infrastructure and making the North East a tourism centre.

Lakhs of tourists would also come to Kamakhya temple and improve the economy," he said.

"Stress in now being laid on what was never done earlier� Electricity, roads, rail infrastructure and optical fibre network in the North East will connect every corner of the region with the country," Modi said.

"The bridge will not only save money, reduce travel time but comes as a foundation for the beginning of a new economic revolution.

That is why the whole Nation has its eyes on this bridge," he said.

"The reduction of distance by 165 km and cutting travel time by seven to eight hours will open new doors for economic development� The bridge will bring development to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

"For fulfilling India's dream of becoming a top economically developed Nation, a superpower, the North East region is the place to begin with," Modi said.

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