China Border Face-Offs Since July? ITBP Chief Confirms Tensions, Then His Video Disappears!

Fresh questions have emerged over the situation along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh after Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) chief Shatrujeet Kapoor acknowledged continuing face-offs at several locations, drawing attention to earlier official denials of Chinese encroachment allegations.

Kapoor, speaking at an ITBP event in Alwar on October 22, reportedly said face-offs had occurred at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh and were continuing. He also referred to the performance of the force’s newly raised Shaurya commando teams during the confrontations. The video of his address was subsequently removed from the ITBP’s social media channels, but no verified official explanation for its removal has emerged.

The remarks have renewed scrutiny of developments in the Taksing area of Upper Subansiri district, where local residents and community organisations have raised concerns about Chinese activity near the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In June, the Nah Welfare Society alleged that Chinese personnel had established camps and infrastructure in areas it considers Indian territory. The Indian Army rejected reports of recent encroachment as incorrect and without basis. Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung also dismissed encroachment claims as rumours in July.

Subsequent media reports, citing sources, described face-offs near Maja in late July and alleged that Chinese personnel later pitched tents at a location India considers to be on its side of the LAC. These accounts have not independently established a permanent loss of Indian territory or restricted access to established Indian patrol points.

On October 23, the Ministry of External Affairs said questions about specific incidents should be directed to the Defence Ministry. It also stressed that deviations from established patrolling patterns can disturb the border situation, while noting that diplomatic and military mechanisms remain in place to manage differences.

The developments come against the backdrop of efforts to stabilise India-China relations after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the October 2024 understanding on patrolling arrangements in eastern Ladakh.

The key unanswered questions concern what happened at each location, whether Indian patrol access has changed and why the ITBP video was removed. While the available evidence does not establish a government cover-up, the contrasting public statements underline the need for a clear account of the situation, particularly given the concerns raised by border communities.