BEIJING, Oct 12: China will assess the need for travel advisories for India in response to the evolving situation, the country’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday, amid protests in Delhi and other cities calling for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the statement during a media briefing in Beijing while responding to a question about whether the government was considering advising its citizens against travelling to India because of the ongoing demonstrations.
“China noted the developments, and will assess whether advisories are needed as the situation evolves,” Mao said.
The remarks come as opposition parties, including the Congress, have intensified their criticism of the Election Commission of India over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The opposition has accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of enabling large-scale deletions of voters’ names and other alleged discrepancies in the revision process. Leaders have demanded his resignation and called for greater accountability in the electoral system.
Protests have taken place in the national capital and other parts of the country as opposition parties press their demands. The allegations have become a point of political confrontation, with the opposition seeking answers over the conduct and transparency of the electoral roll revision exercise.
China’s statement indicates that Beijing will continue to monitor developments before deciding whether any formal travel guidance is necessary for its nationals visiting India. The spokesperson did not announce an immediate travel advisory or specify what circumstances could prompt such a decision.
Any future guidance would depend on how the situation develops, according to the Foreign Ministry’s remarks.