Border issue with China complex: PM

Addressing a press conference before winding up his two-day visit here,the Prime Minister said he had discussed with Wen all issues,including the boundary question,problems concerning common rivers and matters related to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

“All issues were discussed,” he said about his meeting with Wen in the backdrop of war of words over Arunachal Pradesh and some other issues like the Dalai Lama’s proposed visit to the state.

“Boundary problem is a complex issue and cannot be wished away,” Singh said,adding “pending solution of the boundary question,both countries have an obligation to maintain peace and tranquility along the borders.”

Contrary to the information provided by the Indian side after the Singh-Wen meeting yesterday that the Dalai Lama issue did not figure in the talks,the Prime Minister himself said he had told his Chinese counterpart that the Dalai Lama is an “honoured guest” of India.

“I explained to Premier Wen that Dalai Lama is our honoured guest and he is a religious leader,” Singh said.

At the same time,he said “we do not allow Tibetan refugees to indulge in political activities and proof of that is that we took resolute action against some Tibetans during Olympics (torch relay) last year following reports that some Tibetan refugees might create problems.”

To a question on the Dalai Lama’s proposed visit to Arunachal next month to which China has objected,Singh said he was not aware of the Tibetan spiritual leader’s plans. The Prime Minister said he had also raised with Wen issues related to common rivers,like water-sharing and reported construction of dam by China on Brahmaputra river.