2 Arunachal Pradesh sectors sensitive but stable, no clashes: Report

Two sectors in Arunachal Pradesh's Taksing area remain sensitive but stable, with no clashes reported so far, according to a report by India Today, which cited defence sources. The assessment comes amid renewed concern over border tensions, with India blaming changes in Chinese patrolling patterns for disrupting the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The sensitive pockets of Asaphila and Longju are located in the remote Taksing Circle of Upper Subansiri district, where India and China have differing perceptions of the LAC’s alignment. According to the defence sources cited by India Today, patrols from both sides periodically encounter each other in these areas, but the situation remains under control.

The sources added that local commanders are exercising restraint to prevent such encounters from escalating into larger confrontations. Given the unresolved disagreement over the boundary, patrols can come face to face even without a significant build-up of troops.

Row over ITBP Chief's Arunachal remarks

The latest developments have drawn attention following remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapur, who said Indian and Chinese troops had faced each other at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh, with some confrontations still continuing.

Speaking at an event in Alwar, Rajasthan, on Thursday, Kapur also praised the ITBP’s recently raised Shaurya commando teams for their role in handling such incidents. However, he did not identify all the locations involved or provide a detailed account of the confrontations.

His remarks prompted questions about the situation along the frontier, particularly in areas where the two countries have competing claims and patrols regularly operate in close proximity.

India Blames Changes in Chinese Patrolling Patterns

Responding to questions about the border situation on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said tensions arise when Chinese forces deviate from established patrolling practices.

"As we have noted in the past, the situation in the India-China border areas gets disturbed from time to time when Chinese forces diverge from established patrolling patterns," Jaiswal said.

He added that India and China were using diplomatic and military channels to resolve outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings. Both sides had also agreed to discuss ways to improve their understanding of the LAC in selected areas.

However, the ministry did not announce any new disengagement agreement. Questions concerning specific confrontations were referred to the Defence Ministry.

Earlier reports had described encounters between Indian and Chinese patrols near Taksing in late July, followed by renewed friction in August. However, claims about troop movements and any loss of access to particular patrolling points have not been independently established.

ITBP strengthens border preparedness

Alongside efforts to manage face-offs, the ITBP has been strengthening its operational preparedness along the frontier. Kapur said the force had established drone platoons in its border units, introduced a course called "Strike" and was developing underground infrastructure along the border.

These measures come amid continued efforts to improve border preparedness following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

Congress seeks answers on Arunachal face-offs

The developments have also triggered a political response, with the Congress demanding a fuller explanation from the government about the situation along the Arunachal Pradesh frontier.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of maintaining a "deafening silence" on the issue and raised allegations that Indian troops had lost access to certain patrolling points.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described the continuing face-offs as "deeply alarming" and questioned whether India’s access to patrolling areas had been affected despite the September military talks.