Arunachal minister dismisses Chinese encroachment claims as 'rumours'

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung on Sunday rejected allegations of Chinese encroachment into Indian territory in the Taksing sector of Upper Subansiri district, describing them as false and driven by social media rumours.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, Natung asserted that there had been no intrusion by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) into any part of Arunachal Pradesh.

He said India's borders in the state were being guarded round the clock by security forces and maintained that the reports of Chinese encroachment were baseless. He also expressed confidence that no such intrusion had taken place.

Natung further highlighted the close relationship between border residents and the Indian Army, saying the people of Arunachal Pradesh stood firmly with the armed forces and remained committed to safeguarding the country's territorial integrity, according to media reports.

The minister's remarks came in response to claims made by the Nah Welfare Society (NWS), which alleged that Chinese military activity near the Taksing sector had intensified over the past 15 years.

The organisation claimed that the PLA had gradually expanded its military infrastructure and outposts closer to the border and said it had previously submitted representations on the issue to constitutional authorities and elected representatives.

The allegations gained traction on social media, leading to concerns among local residents.

India and China share a 1,129-km border in Arunachal Pradesh, a state that Beijing claims as part of what it refers to as "South Tibet." India has consistently rejected those claims, reiterating that Arunachal Pradesh is an important and inalienable part of the country.