Rijiju rejects China incursion claim, admits border issue

Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday rejected reports that Chinese troops have entered 60 km into Arunachal Pradesh, calling the videos being shared to support the claim misinformation. He said the border issue stems from a lack of clear demarcation, not Chinese occupation of Indian villages, and that India's territory extends further into the area. Rijiju stressed that such false claims demoralise Indian army personnel and create confusion.

The denial follows a fact-finding report by the People's Party of Arunachal Pradesh, an ally of the BJP, which claimed Indian forces have abandoned a patrolling point after a confrontation with the People's Liberation Army in 2023 and that Chinese forces remain active throughout the year while Indian patrols are suspended during monsoon. The Indian army has called the reports of Chinese encroachment incorrect, while the external affairs ministry said border affairs will reflect on the state of bilateral ties. China said the border situation is generally stable and both sides have agreed to maintain communication.