Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Denies Border Tension With China
Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated the border situation with China is normal, describing recent Chinese crossings as transgressions rather than intrusions.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated on Thursday that the border situation with China remains normal and secure, despite reports of ongoing confrontations. Speaking at the 14th International Tourism Mart in Tawang, Khandu characterized recent incidents of Chinese patrolling parties crossing into Indian territory as "transgressions, not intrusions." He attributed these events to China's refusal to recognize the McMahon Line and a general lack of clear border demarcation.
Khandu's assessment contrasts with recent reports from Indo-Tibetan Border Police Director General Shatrujeet Kapur, who noted that confrontations continue at multiple sites along the border. The Ministry of External Affairs of India has previously stated that the border situation is disturbed periodically because China disputes the legality of the McMahon Line.
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat supported the Chief Minister's position, asserting that India's borders are secure. Shekhawat urged the public to reject "false narratives" regarding the tension. Khandu further dismissed concerns that the border controversy would harm state tourism, claiming the media had "unnecessarily ratcheted it up."
