Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has stated that the situation along the India-China border in the state remains normal, emphasizing that Indian security forces are effectively safeguarding the frontier despite occasional transgressions by Chinese patrol teams.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Khandu dismissed concerns about escalating tensions following recent remarks regarding confrontations between Indian and Chinese troops at several locations along the disputed boundary.
The chief minister explained that differences over the McMahon Line, which China does not recognize, frequently result in overlapping territorial perceptions and occasional patrol encounters.
Arunachal Pradesh shares approximately 1,200 kilometres of international boundary with Tibet under Chinese administration, making border management a significant security priority for India.
Khandu acknowledged that Chinese patrol teams sometimes cross into areas claimed by India but described such incidents as transgressions rather than deliberate intrusions.
He emphasized that these occurrences are not new and largely arise because the boundary remains disputed and lacks mutually accepted demarcation.
His remarks followed statements by Indo-Tibetan Border Police Director General Shatrujeet Kapur, who reportedly indicated that confrontations with Chinese troops continue at certain locations along the Arunachal Pradesh frontier.
However, Khandu did not identify any particular incident or location associated with the reported transgressions.
The chief minister made these observations ahead of the inauguration of the 14th International Tourism Mart, attended by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other dignitaries.
Addressing concerns about the potential impact on tourism, Khandu maintained that the border situation posed no immediate threat to visitors or tourism activities.
He also suggested that media coverage had unnecessarily amplified concerns surrounding the developments.
The statements highlight the continuing sensitivity of the India-China boundary dispute while reinforcing the state government's position that normalcy currently prevails.
Khandu reiterated confidence in India's armed forces and their ability to maintain security, stability and vigilance along Arunachal Pradesh's strategically important border regions.
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