Negating the claim of China over Arunachal Pradesh, renowned journalist and author Mark Tully on Sunday in Itanagar said Arunachal Pradesh was part of British-India and free-India.
"I see no reason why this part of India will be part of China," Tully, the former India correspondent of BBC from 1965 to 1994, who is on a visit to Arunachal Pradesh said today while interacting with the media persons here.
Tully said he is working on a book India since economic liberalization which will contain a chapter on North East, including Arunachal Pradesh.
The hey days of ULA in Assam, its tea industry besides Meghalaya and Manipur will certainly find mention, he said.
Responding to a volley of questions, he said people never opt for insurgency but become part of a compelling situation. The situation in the North East has not been dealt with effectively, particularly through political dialogue.
Nagas and Bodos want to live in peace and remain part of India s democratic system, he said adding they also know that their demand for independence is unrealistic and will never be accepted.
Tully advocated more road and rail communication, including early opening of 560-km rail link between Agartala and Kolkata via Bangaldesh. "The more communication, the better it is for every one," he added. PTI
