Ladakh, J&K integral part of India, China has no locus standi: MEA

New Delhi: The ministry of external affairs(MEA) today slammed China for its comments on Ladakh made earlier this week, saying the Union territory of Ladakh is an “integral” part of India.”

“The union territories of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir have been, are & would remain an integral part of India. China has no locus standi to comment on India’s internal matter,” said MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava.

The MEA spokesperson also said the government has conveyed to China at the “highest level” that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

“Arunachal Pradesh is also an integral part of India, this fact has also been clearly conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions, including at the highest level,” said Srivastava.

China had earlier this week said that it does not recognize the UT of Ladakh, which is “illegally” established by India, as well as the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

In its response to China, the MEA also said it hopes other countries do not comment on its internal matters as they “expect” the same from others.

The Chinese statement came days after defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 44 key bridges build by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Monday.