Mon Sep 09 15:40:24 UTC 2024: ## India Rejects China’s “Encroachment” Claims, Reiterates Border Infrastructure Development
Amidst reports of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) incursions in Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has dismissed the allegations, stating that mere markings in undemarcated areas do not constitute encroachment. The Minister, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, acknowledged that overlapping patrols by Indian and Chinese forces do occur in these areas, but stressed that India will not allow any permanent structures to be built and maintains strict vigilance.
Rijiju further clarified that India has been actively building infrastructure along the border and will continue to do so. He asserted that despite these developments, India will not allow any encroachment near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
These statements come amidst reports of PLA activities in the Kapapu area of Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh. Pictures circulating on social media depict bonfires, painted rocks, and Chinese food materials allegedly found at the site.
The incident follows a prolonged standoff between the Indian army and the PLA in Ladakh, which began in April 2020.
China continues to claim Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, a claim India vehemently rejects. Beijing, which refers to the state as “South Tibet” or “Zangnan,” routinely objects to Indian leaders’ visits to the state.
India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country and has dismissed China’s territorial claims and invented names for the region as baseless.
First Piper 