Post date: May 19, 2013 11:30:29 AM
Protesters in New Delhi burn an effigy of visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang amid border tensions between both the countries.
NEW DELHI, INDIA (MAY 19, 2013) (ANI) - Protesters in New Delhi torched an effigy of Chinese Premier Li Keqiangon Sunday (May 19), condemning his visit to India amid border tensions between both countries.
Premier Li arrived in the Indian capital on Sunday on his first foreign trip since assuming office.Carrying banners, protested marched in the national capital shouting slogans against the premier's visit and urged New Delhi to talk tough with the neighbouring country.
Recently both the nations were at loggerheads as Indian and Chinese soldiers faced off 100 metres (330 feet) apart on a plateau near the Karakoram mountain range, where they fought a war 50 years ago, for three weeks until they reached a deal and both sides decided to withdraw.
The two countries packed up tents and left the disputed patch on the 5,000-metre-high (16,000-foot) Depsang Plain.
Member of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, Yeshi Phuntsok said that China needs to solve its ongoing boundary row with India in addition to reaching a conclusion to the Tibet issue.
"Protesters have gathered here, including some Tibetans-in-exile and are protesting the visit of Chinese premier, Li Keqiang. Tibetans demand a conclusive resolution to the issue of Tibet. Protesters are also condemning China's intrusion into India that violated boundary norms between both countries," said Phuntsok.
India has been beefing up its military presence for several years on the remote Ladakh plateau, building roads and runways to catch up with Chinese development across the border in a disputed area known as Aksai Chin.
Protesters added that India needs to adopt a strong policy towards China to avert incidents of incursions in future.
"India needs to toughen its stand on intrusion by China. They should demandChina to demarcate the international boundary first and only then proceed with further dialogue and let their leaders visit India," said Kansal.
China has defended its iron-fisted rule in Tibet, saying the remote region suffered from dire poverty, brutal exploitation and economic stagnation until 1950, when Communist troops 'peacefully liberated' it.
Beijing considers Nobel peace laureate the Dalai Lama, who fled from China in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule, a violent separatist. The Dalai Lama says he is merely seeking greater autonomy for his Himalayan homeland.
Li's visit is being seen by Beijing and New Delhi as a chance to reset ties between the two neighbours.