Union Minister Kiren Rijiju denies encroachment by China's PLA in Arunachal

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the painting of marks in undemarcated locations in Arunachal Pradesh does not indicate that the areas have been encroached upon by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA).

This comes amidst reports of incursion by PLA in the state.

Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, also said that overlapping of patrolling by Indian and Chinese forces does take place in the undemarcated areas along the Sino-Indian border but that does not lead to encroachment of Indian territory.

The union minister's comments came amidst reports that the PLA allegedly entered inside Indian territory in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh last week and they were camping in the Kapapu area of the district for some time.

Pictures of bonfires, painting of rocks and Chinese food materials found at the site have been shared on social media, the reports said.

"China can't take our land. Overlapping of patrolling does take place in the undemarcated areas. They are not allowed to construct anything permanent. There is strict vigil from our side. Mere painting of marks in undemarcated locations doesn't mean the areas have been encroached on," Rijiju told PTI.