"We must strongly condemn the Chinese step. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Government must immediately convey our displeasure in the strongest terms to China. It is the worst kind of insult inflicted upon India by denying permission to Jaswal to visit China," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javdekar said.
He said China has always fomented trouble in Arunachal Pradesh and they have now begun fishing in troubled waters in Kashmir, adding, "This is helping Pakistan."
Javdekar said it should be made clear to China unequivocally that Kashmir is not a disputed area and is an integral part of India.
Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said that India has always maintained that it is interested in strengthening and consolidating relations with China.
"However, the relationship has to be premised on self respect and the sensitivities which concern each other," he said.
Tewari said if there is any "unilateral violation" of the same, "any reaction that happens in the country, it is natural and justified and it should happen."
He expressed confidence that the MEA would do whatever is required to be done.
"That is for the MEA to work out what are the best modalities to raise it. I am sure the foreign office is cognisant of it and will do whatever is required to be done," he said, when asked whether the party would demand the government raise the issue with China seriously.
China has refused permission to Jaswal to visit that country because he comes from "sensitive" Jammu and Kashmir area.
Reacting strongly to this, India has put on hold visits by Chinese military officials till the matter is resolved.