Itanagar, 10 September (HS): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has strongly objected to a recently published United Nations map that depicts Arunachal Pradesh separately from India, terming the representation unacceptable.

Reacting to the map, Khandu said the portrayal does not reflect the ground reality and asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inseparable part of India. He conveyed the strong objection on behalf of the people of the state.

The controversy emerged after a UN map reportedly showed Arunachal Pradesh as a separate region between Indian and Chinese territorial claims. The map also depicted Aksai Chin separately and showed changes in the state’s borders with neighbouring Indian states.

India has taken up the reported anomalies with the concerned authorities. The Ministry of External Affairs has also clarified that India's support for a UN General Assembly resolution seeking more accurate and equitable cartographic representation should not be construed as acceptance of any particular map.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had raised the discrepancies with the concerned persons.

The map, reportedly first published on July 1, showed Arunachal Pradesh as an independent state bordering Assam and China while omitting its border with Nagaland. The UN has not publicly clarified the changes highlighted in the report.

Khandu's remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of the international depiction of Arunachal Pradesh, with India maintaining its longstanding position that the state is an integral part of the country.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash