ITBP Chief Confirms Ongoing China Face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh
Indo-Tibetan Border Police Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor confirmed ongoing military face-offs with Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh, sparking demands for government accountability.
Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor confirmed on October 22 that confrontations between Indian and Chinese troops are ongoing at multiple locations along the border in Arunachal Pradesh. These face-offs reportedly began in July and persisted through Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India in September. Kapoor announced that the ITBP is enhancing capabilities through drone platoons, underground infrastructure, and a new strike course to handle high-intensity battles by late 2027.
The revelations triggered a political backlash from the Indian National Congress. Party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of maintaining a deafening silence regarding the border situation and providing clean chits to China. The opposition highlighted a record $112 billion trade deficit with China and demanded a comprehensive statement in Parliament regarding national security and patrolling access.
In response, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified on October 23 that border situations are occasionally disturbed when Chinese forces diverge from established patrolling patterns. The ministry emphasized that both nations are utilizing diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve issues, citing August 25 talks in Beijing where Special Representatives reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining tranquility. While the BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh dismissed reports of Chinese obstruction in the Taksing sector as unnecessary, opposition leaders claim China continues to occupy grazing grounds and build infrastructure within India's perception of the Line of Actual Control.
