Pema Khandu Dismisses Reports of Chinese Incursion, Confirms Indian Army's Vigilance at LAC

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has categorically dismissed claims of Chinese military intrusion into the state, emphasizing that the Indian Army diligently patrols and protects all areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

During an interaction with journalists, Khandu confirmed that there is no evidence of encroachment within Arunachal Pradesh. He expressed confidence in the Indian Army's preparedness and vigilance, highlighting their commitment to securing the border and maintaining a strong presence to ensure the state's safety and territorial integrity.

The Chief Minister's comments follow the Indian government's recent move to officially identify and standardize 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh on the Survey of India map. This initiative is intended to enhance public understanding of these areas' geographical, historical, and strategic importance.

The government states that incorporating these locations into official maps is crucial for their accurate recognition and to solidify their standing within India's administrative and geographical context. Many of these identified sites are near the Line of Actual Control and possess significant historical and military relevance.

In the updated map, notable locations include Long Ju, an early point of tension in the India-China border disputes when Chinese forces entered in 1959, preceding the 1962 conflict. Maja village in Upper Subansiri district, located near Long Ju, along with Bisa village and the strategically important mountain passes of Dzo La, Riza La, and Pukur La are also marked.

Thag La, a high-altitude pass and a site of one of the initial battles of the 1962 India-China War, is among the key locations identified. Additionally, Jairampur in Changlang district is included, recognizing its role as a logistical hub that facilitates the movement of security forces towards eastern Arunachal Pradesh and the India-Myanmar border.

Other locations added to the map include Sambho Sarovar, Bara Kundun, Chhota Kundun, Dhan Bari, Pritnagar, Teritnagar, Ramnagar, Jaswant Garh, Sagar, Padma, Jyotinagar, Baisakhi, Sher-e-Thapa Memorial, Chhota Ropuk, Bara Ropuk, Shivaji Nagar, Sunpura, Kamlang Nagar, and Buddhamandir.

This mapping effort occurs against the backdrop of China's ongoing attempts to assign Chinese names to places in Arunachal Pradesh, which it calls "Zangnan." India has consistently objected to these actions, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country and that such renaming efforts cannot change the facts on the ground.

New Delhi has repeatedly rejected China's renaming exercises as unfounded and lacking legal or territorial legitimacy, stressing that these actions neither impact India's sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh nor alter the state's status within the Indian Union. Indian officials have also warned that such actions do not positively contribute to improving bilateral relations between the two nations.

China initially released a list of six standardized names for locations in Arunachal Pradesh in 2017, followed by additional lists covering 15 locations in 2021 and 11 locations in 2023. India has steadfastly dismissed each of these announcements, reaffirming its sovereign claims over the state.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s statement underscores the state government's trust in the Indian Army's readiness and border management capabilities. His remarks highlight that Arunachal Pradesh's border security remains under constant surveillance and that the Armed Forces are fully prepared to defend India's territorial integrity along the Line of Actual Control.