Indian Army denies reports of Chinese incursion in Arunachal

After media reports suggested that the Chinese Army made an incursion into Indian territory and constructed a bridge, the army denied the claims, saying that there is no permanent presence of either Chinese soldiers or civilians in the area.

New Delhi:The Indian Army on Wednesday denied reports claiming Chinese incursion in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district, saying that there is no permanent presence of either Chinese soldiers or civilians in the 'Fish Tail' area.

The Indian Army in a statement said, "The area being referred to in the media report on 'some electronic channels', is the area of Fish Tail. There is a differing perception of the alignment of the Line of Control, as in many other areas. The terrain is thickly vegetated and all movements are undertaken on foot along Nalas and streams. During monsoons, whenever the Nalas are in spate, temporary bridges are constructed by the patrols for their movement."

"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. It is reiterated that there is no permanent presence of either Chinese soldiers or civilians in the area and surveillance is maintained by our troops," the statement added.

Earlier, local BJP MP Tapir Gao had claimed that Chinese troops made an incursion into the Indian territory last month and built a bridge over Kiomru Nullah in Chaglagam circle and that some local youths noticed the bridge on Tuesday.

"McMahon line is at a distance of approximately 100 km from Chaglagam, 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," Gao said.

"I do not blame the Army or those who are patrolling the area; there are no roads, how can they possibly access the area. I am confident of the government. I want the government to look into it, I will also look into this. Roads need to be built," he added.

In its statement, however, the Indian Army emphasised, "India and China have well established diplomatic and military mechanisms to address all issues in our border areas. Both countries have also agreed to work towards a fair reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question on the basis of the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles."

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.

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