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‘Incorrect, without any basis’: Army rejects reports of fresh Chinese encroachment in Arunachal
The Indian Army has rejected reports of Chinese PLA setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Indian Army on Monday rubbished reports of alleged encroachment by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and setting up camps in Arunachal Pradesh.
"We have seen some media reports alleging recent encroachment by Chinese PLA and setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh. These reports are incorrect and without any basis," the Indian Army said in a statement, quoted by ANI.
The army statement comes after the Nah Welfare Society (NWS), a community in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district, submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner alleging that the Chinese forces have expanded presence in border areas.
In a letter on June 26, the civil society had identified five locations allegedly under Chinese occupation. The NWS said the PLA had occupied large parts of traditional grazing, hunting and agricultural land used by the tribal community over the past six years.
The development comes weeks after India and China held the 35th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in Beijing. The Ministry of External Affairs said that the discussions were constructive and forward-looking.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the situation in the India-China border areas and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas.
Earlier in the day, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said the situation at the Line of Actual Control between the two countries is stable but sensitive.
While speaking in an interview with NDTV, the army chief said that the Indian Army maintains a robust deployment posture to deter threats and respond to contingencies. He added that the tensions between the two nations have shown signs of easing.
