Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly dismissed reports and social media claims suggesting that Chinese troops intruded 60 kilometers into Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh. He called such narratives completely false and misleading. Speaking in an interview, the senior minister clarified that no Indian village has been captured.
He explained that border challenges persist primarily because the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains undemarcated on the ground. There are no physical boundary pillars marking the LAC.
Demarcation Challenges and Differing Perceptions Along the LAC
Rijiju emphasized that India and China share a long, mountainous border in Arunachal Pradesh. In this region, both armies operate under differing perceptions of the frontline.
He acknowledged that local border communities often raise valid concerns due to visible Chinese infrastructure and troop movements across high ridges.
However, he stressed that routine patrol overlaps in undemarcated sectors do not equate to territorial loss or foreign occupation. He warned against using out-of-context video clips and images to spread panic and create false narratives around national security.
Strong Vigilance by Indian Army and ITBP
The Union Minister affirmed that Indian security forces maintain complete operational readiness along the frontier. Moreover, troops from the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) carry out intensive, round-the-clock patrolling to secure every forward post.
Rijiju noted that circulating exaggerated claims of deep foreign penetration harms public confidence. In addition, it attempts to undermine the morale of soldiers guarding remote Himalayan outposts under harsh weather conditions.
Rapid Border Infrastructure Expansion
Providing historical context, Rijiju explained that areas like Longju fell under Chinese control decades ago in 1959. Further consolidation occurred following the 1962 conflict.
He highlighted that previous policies had left border areas without adequate roads and communication links for decades.
In contrast, the current administration has accelerated the construction of all-weather roads, strategic bridges, and advanced forward bases across Arunachal Pradesh. As a result, Indian forces can respond swiftly to any border developments.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
