India China News: India’s foreign ministry has acknowledged strain along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This came a day after the head of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police publicly confirmed that Indian and Chinese troops remain locked in face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh.
ITBP Chief Flags Continuing Face-Offs
Director General Shatrujeet Kapur said on October 22 that the Shaurya commandos performed exceptionally well during recent face-offs with Chinese forces. Speaking at the Himveer Samman Samaroh in Alwar, he said confrontations had occurred at several locations in Arunachal and that the situation remained unresolved. He added that India can counter China using modern defence technology such as drones. Kapur did not identify the specific locations involved.
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MEA Blames Chinese Patrol Deviations
At his October 23 briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded directly. He said the border situation gets disturbed from time to time when Chinese forces depart from established patrolling patterns. He added that both sides continue to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations, and have agreed to discuss ways to improve understanding of the LAC in appropriate areas.
Specifics Left To Defence Ministry
Jaiswal referred questions on specifics to the Ministry of Defence. Earlier reports had pointed to Chinese military activity and restrictions on Indian patrols around Taksing in Upper Subansiri district. In August, the MEA had stressed that peace and tranquillity along the LAC was of utmost importance, while sources at the time dismissed claims of “slow encroachment.”
Opposition Presses The Government
The disclosure has triggered political reaction. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the government of staying silent on the continuing face-offs and pointed to a record $112-billion trade deficit with China. Mallikarjun Kharge also targeted the Prime Minister over the alleged face-offs.
