Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has addressed recent allegations of a Chinese incursion into Arunachal Pradesh by clarifying that mere markings in undemarcated areas do not signify encroachment on Indian territory. Rijiju, representing Arunachal Pradesh, noted that while there are overlapping patrols between Indian and Chinese forces in these regions along the Sino-Indian border, such activities do not amount to a breach of Indian land.
“China cannot take our land. Overlapping patrols occur in undemarcated areas, but they are not allowed to build anything permanent, and there is strict vigilance from our side. Mere markings do not equate to encroachment,” Rijiju stated to PTI. His comments came following reports of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China entering the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh and temporarily setting up in the Kapapu area. Photographs on social media allegedly depict bonfires, painted rocks, and Chinese food items at the site.
Rijiju assured that India remains steadfast in preventing any incursions near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), emphasizing continuous infrastructure development along the border. “India has been building infrastructure along the border, and that will continue. We will not allow anyone to come near the LAC,” he asserted.
This development coincides with the ongoing standoff between the Indian Army and PLA in Ladakh since April 2020. The 3,400 km LAC stretches from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, with China consistently laying claim to Arunachal Pradesh—a claim India has repeatedly dismissed.
China has also opposed visits by Indian leaders to Arunachal Pradesh, calling it South Tibet and renaming it Zangnan. India has rejected these claims and name changes, stating they do not alter the ground reality.
In August, the Indian Army refuted reports of new clashes between Indian and PLA troops in eastern Ladakh as “fake,” confirming no such incident.
Rijiju’s statements aim to reassure the public about India’s vigilance and territorial integrity amidst these ongoing border tensions.
Original Story https://news.abplive.com/states/northeast/union-minister-kiren-rijiju-refutes-reports-of-china-army-pla-incursion-into-arunachal-pradesh-modi-govt-1716174
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