'They're on hilltops, we're in valleys': Fresh China incursion claim in Arunachal

ITANAGAR: Chinese troops have allegedly advanced 40–50 km into Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district, Congress leader and former education minister Bosiram Siram has claimed, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged incursion. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, however, has said that no such confirmed information is available.

Siram made the allegations after a Congress delegation visited border villages in the state from August 26 to 29 to assess the situation on the ground. The team travelled from Itanagar through Nacho to the border areas of Limeking and Taksing, where its members interacted with local residents and gathered information about the situation along the India-China border.

According to Siram, residents told the delegation about a confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops during the last week of July. He alleged that the clash involved physical fighting and the use of sticks, adding that troops from both countries continued to face each other at several locations along the border. "Chinese troops have already advanced 40–50 km into Indian territory. They stay there from time to time. They are on the hilltops, while we Indians are in the valleys," Siram said.

He further alleged that the situation along the border was affecting not only the military presence but also the daily lives and traditional livelihoods of local residents. Siram has called for a thorough investigation by the Centre and the Defence Ministry into the alleged incursion and the reported confrontations.