Army Denies BJP MP’s Claim of Chinese Incursion in Arunachal

The bridge has allegedly been constructed by the Chinese in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The bridge was allegedly constructed by the Chinese in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh.

(Photo: ANI)

The Indian Army, on Wednesday, 4 September, denied Arunachal Pradesh BJP MP Tapir Gao’s claim of Chinese incursion in the state’s remote Anjaw district, stating that security forces routinely patrol the area.

“Being an area of differing claims, troops routinely from either side patrol the area. In addition, civilian hunters and herb collectors also frequent here during summer months. There is no permanent presence of either Chinese soldiers or civilians in the area. There has been no such incursion,” said the Indian Army, in a statement.

Gao claimed Chinese troops made an incursion into the Indian territory last month and built a bridge over Kiomru Nullah in Chaglagam circle. Some local youths noticed the bridge on Tuesday.

“Now, if China makes a bridge at a distance of 25 km from Chaglagam, that implies China is already 60-70 km into our territory.”

Tapir Gao, BJP MP

However, the lawmaker added that he did not blame the Indian Army or those patrolling the area.

“I do not blame Army or those who are patrolling the area. There are no roads... How can they possibly access the area? I'm confident of the government. I want government to look into it. Roads need to be built,” Gao said.

India and China share a nearly 4,000-km border, which is not clearly demarcated, leading to incursions by the two sides into each other's territory.