ITBP confirms India-China tensions along Arunachal Pradesh border

NEW DELHI: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has confirmed tensions between Indian and Chinese security forces along the Arunachal Pradesh border. ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Kapoor said confrontations between the security forces of the two countries were taking place at several locations. Following the confirmation, the Congress launched a sharp attack on the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Since July, Chinese troops have reportedly been obstructing patrols by Indian security forces in the strategically important Taksing sector along the India-China border. Shatrujeet Kapoor said this had led to face-offs between the forces of the two countries, with tensions continuing along the border. Such confrontations were also reported in September, during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, which was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Kapoor said the China border remained the most challenging frontier for India. He added that special combat training programmes had been introduced and drone platoons deployed in border units to deal with the prevailing situation.

Following the ITBP chief's remarks, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue. He alleged that the self-proclaimed 'Vishwaguru' was making concessions to China and questioned why the Prime Minister and the government were maintaining silence. He also alleged that China was threatening India's security by renaming villages in Arunachal Pradesh and constructing a massive dam near the Indian border.