Arunachal Border Row: Kiren Rijiju Rejects Claim Of 60-Km Chinese Entry

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has rejected claims that Chinese forces have entered 60 km inside Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh, calling the allegation incorrect. His remarks came amid reports of an alleged Chinese incursion in Upper Subansiri district, where local residents have claimed that Chinese troops crossed the Line of Actual Control and entered areas around the Taksing circle.

Rijiju, speaking to news agency IANS, stressed that India and China share a long and contested border in Arunachal Pradesh that is not completely and clearly demarcated on the ground. He noted that the boundary between India and Tibet had historically not been fully delineated, creating areas where the two sides maintain differing perceptions of the border. At the same time, he acknowledged concerns over increased Chinese activity in some border areas.

The minister urged people to take the concerns of residents seriously but cautioned against circulating what he described as false videos and claims. He argued that unverified reports could create confusion and affect the morale of the armed forces. Rijiju maintained that the government is aware of developments along the border and has strengthened patrolling by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police in the region.

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Rijiju also linked the current border infrastructure push to developments over the past several decades. He criticised the earlier policy of limited infrastructure construction along the frontier, recalling that former Defence Minister AK Antony had stated in Parliament during the Congress-led government that India did not want to build infrastructure close to the border. According to Rijiju, China continued developing roads and other infrastructure during that period.

The minister said the approach changed after 2014, with the government accelerating road and infrastructure projects in remote border areas. He argued that China's earlier infrastructure advantage allowed its forces to establish positions and facilities in high-altitude areas, while India has since been working to strengthen its own presence. Rijiju maintained that the situation should not be described as China having captured an Indian village, pointing instead to disputed areas where the boundary has not been formally demarcated on the ground.

The latest dispute comes amid continuing tensions between India and China over their unsettled border. India has repeatedly maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of the country, while China has objected to India's administrative and infrastructure measures in the state. Earlier this month, India identified 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh using their official standard names after China attempted to assign alternative names to places in the state. New Delhi has also warned that the condition of the border will have a bearing on the broader relationship between India and China.

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