Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapoor said on Thursday that in the past few days, Indian and Chinese troops came face to face at several places in Arunachal Pradesh, and the situation still continues. This is the first official confirmation since tensions began in July. After this statement, the Opposition, including the Congress, has attacked the Central Government.

What did the ITBP DG say?

Speaking at the ‘Himveer Samman Samaroh’ at the Central Training College in Alwar, Kapoor said ITBP’s newly formed Shaurya Commando teams played a commendable role in this confrontation. He said China has invested heavily in modernising its military, so it will be difficult to counter it through conventional methods. He stressed the need to invest in drone and anti-drone technology. Kapoor is due to retire on 31 October.

Where is the tension?

Since the end of July, a standoff has continued in the Asaphila and Maja areas of Upper Subansiri district. According to a report in The Hindu, the Chinese army (PLA) has pitched tents at a high-altitude location near the Maja company operating base in Taksing Circle, within 6 to 7 kilometres of the LAC as perceived by India.

Ministry of External Affairs’ response

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the situation worsens from time to time when Chinese troops patrol away from their designated routes. Both countries are using dialogue and military channels to resolve the remaining LAC issues and remove misunderstandings. He said peace on the border is essential to take the relationship forward.

Sharp attacks from the Opposition

Congress: The party said reports of clashes had been emerging since July, but the government kept suppressing them. Spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged that the government has bowed to China.

Jairam Ramesh: He said the Prime Minister and the entire establishment are silent. After the Taksing confrontation, Corps Commander-level talks were held at Vacha-Damai, but according to locals, some patrolling points have slipped out of India’s hands. He also raised concerns over China renaming Arunachal’s towns and building a 60,000 MW dam.

Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT): The matter is serious; the Home, Defence and External Affairs Ministers should answer.

Abhijeet Dipke (CJP): Security forces should guard the borders, but they are being used to stop citizens’ protests.

Gurmehar Kaur: After the ITBP chief’s statement, where have the claims of “red eyes” and “56-inch chest” gone?

Background

India hosted Xi Jinping for the BRICS summit from 11 to 13 September, where both sides spoke of easing tensions. China calls Arunachal “South Tibet” and claims about 90,000 sq km, while India regards it as an integral part. The two countries share a 3,500-km-long border.

Alternative Titles:

India-China Face-Off on Arunachal Border: ITBP DG’s Confirmation Triggers Political Storm

“Both Sides Are Face to Face”: Congress Attacks Government Over ITBP DG’s Statement

Standoff with China Continues in Arunachal: ITBP Chief’s Revelation, Opposition Demands Answers