Union Minister Rijiju Refutes Reports Of PLA Incursion Into Arunachal: 'Mere Markings Don't Mean Encroachment'

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismisses reports of Chinese encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh, stating that mere markings in un-demarcated border areas do not constitute an incursion.

In the wake of recent reports alleging an incursion by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) into Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified on Monday that the mere presence of markings in undemarcated areas does not equate to encroachment on Indian territory. Rijiju, who represents Arunachal Pradesh, explained that while there are instances of overlapping patrols by Indian and Chinese forces in these un-demarcated regions along the Sino-Indian border, such occurrences do not signify a breach of Indian land.

“China can’t take our land. Overlapping of patrolling does take place in the undemarcated areas. They are not allowed to construct anything permanent. There is strict vigil from our side. Mere painting of marks in undemarcated locations doesn’t mean the areas have been encroached on,” Rijiju told news agency PTI.

The minister's remarks follow reports that the PLA allegedly entered Indian territory in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh last week and established a temporary presence in the Kapapu area. Pictures circulating on social media purportedly show bonfires, painted rocks, and Chinese food materials at the site.

India Will Not Allow Anyone To Come Near LAC: Kiren Rijiju

Rijiju assured that India is fortifying its border infrastructure and remains resolute in preventing any incursions near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “India has been building infrastructure along the border and that will continue. But we will not allow anyone to come near the Line of Actual Control,” he stated.

This development coincides with an ongoing stand-off between the Indian Army and the PLA in Ladakh, which has been unresolved since April 2020. The LAC stretches 3,400 km from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, with China persistently claiming Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, a stance India has consistently rejected as absurd.

China's objections extend to Indian leaders’ visits to Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as South Tibet, and has also renamed the area as Zangnan. India has dismissed these territorial claims and the assigning of new names as ineffective in altering the reality of the region's status.

In August, the Indian Army refuted claims of new clashes between Indian and PLA troops along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, describing such reports as “fake” and confirming no such incident occurred.