Arunachal CM Pema Khandu Says Border Transgressions Are Not New, Denies Intrusions Along LAC

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated on Thursday that transgressions along the India-China border are not new, maintaining that the situation in border areas is normal and that Indian armed forces are guarding the frontier effectively. Speaking ahead of the 14th International Tourism Mart in Tawang, Khandu addressed recent discussions surrounding border confrontations.

According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Khandu acknowledged that transgressions occur due to an undemarcated border and differing perceptions.

Key Details on Border Remarks

• Transgressions vs. Intrusions: Khandu distinguished between transgressions and intrusions, noting that patrolling parties occasionally cross over due to an unclear border demarcation.
• McMahon Line Factor: He stated that China does not recognize the McMahon Line, which separates Arunachal Pradesh from Tibet, along a nearly 1,200-kilometer shared border.
• Media Coverage: Khandu asserted that the media had unnecessarily escalated the issue, emphasizing that current conditions remain peaceful with no tension.

Official Reactions and Context

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, attending the Tawang event alongside Khandu, stated that India's borders remain secure under the Narendra Modi administration and alleged that a false narrative was being created.

The remarks follow recent comments by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapur regarding confrontations at several locations along the Arunachal frontier.

Historically, the Ministry of External Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha in August 2005 that India and China maintain differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), leading to periodic patrol overlaps and transgressions.

How to Verify

• Consult official updates from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding India-China border management.
• Review statements released by the Press Trust of India (PTI) and authorized government press bureaus.