Chinese encroachment in Arunachal? Indian Army calls reports incorrect

Published 29 June 2026 · india

The Indian Army on Monday rejected reports alleging that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) had encroached into Arunachal Pradesh and established military camps inside

The Indian Army on Monday rejected reports alleging that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) had encroached into Arunachal Pradesh and established military camps inside Indian territory, calling the claims "incorrect and without any basis." The rebuttal came after media reports cited a memorandum submitted by a community organisation in Arunachal Pradesh alleging that Chinese forces had gradually expanded their presence in remote border areas of the state over the past several years. Read Full Story "We have seen some media reports alleging recent encroachment by the Chinese PLA and setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh. These reports are incorrect and without any basis," the Indian Army said. NWS RAISES CONCERNS According to India Today North East, the Nah Welfare Society (NWS), a community-based organisation from Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district, submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner alleging that the PLA had established camps inside Indian territory near the India-China border.

In the letter dated June 26, 2024, the organisation claimed that Chinese troops had steadily expanded their presence over the last 10 to 15 years by occupying areas along the border in the Taksing circle. The memorandum alleged that roads, bridges and military camps had been built in locations traditionally used by local residents for hunting, cattle grazing and collecting forest produce. The NWS identified five locations -- Oying, Paniar in the Chujarta area, Marpan (Marnafe), Potrang Lake and Tindingtang (TG) -- which it claimed had come under Chinese occupation since 2020. The organisation also alleged that some of the sites were located close to Taksing headquarters and held cultural and religious significance for local communities. MEMORANDUM SEEKS GOVERNMENT ACTION The community group urged both the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Centre to intervene immediately to prevent what it described as further Chinese activities in the border region.

While expressing confidence in the Indian Army's commitment to protecting the frontier, the memorandum argued that stronger action was needed to safeguard what it described as Indian territory. The letter also requested the district administration to take up the matter with the appropriate authorities and included photographs that the organisation said supported its claims. The Indian Army's statement did not specifically address the allegations contained in the memorandum but categorically rejected the reports of recent Chinese encroachment and the establishment of PLA camps in Arunachal Pradesh. The allegations surfaced weeks after India and China held the 35th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs in Beijing. Following the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs said the discussions had been "constructive and forward-looking." According to the ministry, both sides reviewed the situation along the India-China border and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in maintaining peace and tranquillity, which had helped advance the gradual normalisation of bilateral relations.