Confrontations between Indian and Chinese troops are continuing at multiple locations along the Arunachal Pradesh border, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapur said on October 22, marking the first official confirmation of the scale of tensions in the region since July.
Kapur said the ITBP’s newly raised Shaurya commandos had played an important role in the ongoing face-offs. The force plans to establish a full battalion of these specialised high-altitude combat personnel as part of efforts to strengthen its border capabilities.
According to government sources cited by The Hindu, Indian and Chinese troops have been involved in a stand-off near Asaphila, close to Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district, since late July.
During routine patrolling near Maja, troops from both sides reportedly came face to face. Although they initially withdrew after a brief confrontation, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) personnel allegedly returned in greater numbers days later and pitched tents at an elevated location approximately six to seven kilometres within India’s perception of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India subsequently increased its deployment in the area.
The developments come despite diplomatic and military engagement between the two countries, including high-level border discussions since July and a Corps Commander-level meeting in the eastern sector in September.
Kapur also highlighted the need to modernise the ITBP’s equipment and strengthen its drone and counter-drone capabilities. The force has established drone platoons across its border battalions and is training personnel to operate and develop drones.
Additionally, the ITBP plans to expand underground shelters at border outposts, recognising their importance in protecting personnel during potential conflict. The force aims to develop underground infrastructure alongside existing above-ground facilities over the next three years.
The continuing confrontations underline the security challenges along the disputed India-China frontier, where differing perceptions of the LAC remain a source of tension.
Source: The Hindu
