New Delhi, August 19: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly countered statements made by opposition parties regarding the China border dispute. He emphasized that claims suggesting China has intruded 60 kilometers into Indian territory are misleading and detrimental to the morale of security forces.
In a conversation in New Delhi, Rijiju stated that it is entirely incorrect to assert that China has advanced 60 kilometers into India. Such statements should not be made. There are indeed border-related issues in Arunachal Pradesh, and understanding the root of these problems is crucial. India shares a lengthy border with China in Arunachal Pradesh, where demarcation is unclear in many areas. In several locations, there are neither border pillars nor clear markings on the ground. This is not a new issue.
He stressed that those claiming a 60-kilometer intrusion and spreading confusion through various videos are mistaken. There are problems at the border. Some villagers in Arunachal have rightly expressed concerns about border issues due to the lack of demarcation. The main problem has been that China began constructing roads and other infrastructure on its side first, during a time when the Congress party was in power in India.
The minister recalled that then-Defense Minister A.K. Antony stated in Parliament that the Indian government’s policy was not to develop infrastructure in certain border areas, while China continuously built its infrastructure. Since 2014, however, India has accelerated infrastructure development in border areas. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, policies have changed, and roads and other facilities are now being developed on our side as well. I have personally visited a village near the final border point and met with border security forces and army personnel. Road construction has been completed there. For decades after independence, there were insufficient roads to reach the border. The Modi government has expedited road construction in that area, strengthening connectivity to Takshing.
According to Rijiju, “The road construction was completed in 2019. When we lacked adequate roads, and China had developed its infrastructure, the Chinese army increased its presence in some upper areas and built border-related structures. Now, India is also strengthening its infrastructure. It is not true that China has occupied our villages. Our ITBP patrols have become stronger compared to before. In a valley area beyond Longju, some structures of the Chinese PLA have been built, along with buildings resembling villages. There has been a long-standing dispute over that area. According to us, China occupied that land in 1959 and solidified its position in 1962. Currently, we also have posts at the border point, and normal movement between India and China in that area has ceased.”
He concluded by stating that the army defends the nation and should not be dragged into political disputes. Using terms like “roadside” to describe army generals is highly inappropriate. Congress leaders should seriously reconsider such language.
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