Chinese encroachment in Arunachal? Indian Army calls report incorrect

The Indian Army firmly rejected media reports alleging that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) had recently encroached into Arunachal Pradesh and established military camps inside Indian territory, calling the claims "incorrect and without any basis."

"We have seen some media reports alleging recent encroachment by Chinese PLA and setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh. These reports are incorrect and without any basis," the Indian Army said in its rebuttal on Monday.

The allegations were first reported by the Arunachal Observer, which cited a representation submitted by the NAH Welfare Society (NWS), a registered organisation based in Taksing.

According to the report, the organisation wrote to the Upper Subansiri deputy commissioner claiming that the PLA had established military infrastructure deep inside Indian territory in the strategically important Taksing circle near the India-China border. In a letter dated June 26 and signed by NWS president Keru Chader, the organisation identified five locations -- Oying (2445) in the Asaphila area, Paniar in Chujarta, Marpan (Marnafe), Potrang Lake and Tindingtang -- as areas allegedly occupied by Chinese forces.

The NWS claimed these places had remained within Indian territory before 2020 and that some of them also held religious importance as sacred pilgrimage sites in the Tsari region.

"We are losing our land inch by inch day by day to them. The intention and speed of the present activities of the Chinese PLA at Taksing area is very alarming and a matter of grave concern for us," Chader wrote in the letter, according to the report.

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