Hyderabad, 24 October (H.S.): AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has sought a detailed clarification from the Centre over reports of Chinese intrusions in Arunachal Pradesh and alleged restrictions on Indian patrols and civilians along the border.

In a statement, Owaisi expressed concern over reported remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapoor regarding continuing face-offs with Chinese forces. He accused the Centre of failing to provide adequate information on the situation and said his earlier questions on the issue had remained unanswered.

Owaisi sought details on the number of locations in Arunachal Pradesh where Chinese troops had allegedly entered Indian territory, stopped Indian patrols and civilians, and refused to withdraw. He also questioned how long the alleged situation had persisted and called for greater transparency on the government's approach towards China.

Criticising the absence of a detailed parliamentary discussion on the border situation, the AIMIM chief referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks in June 2020 concerning Chinese presence in Indian territory. He questioned those remarks in light of subsequent reports about developments along the border.

Owaisi called for a comprehensive and independent report on the situation and demanded a special session of Parliament to discuss the border issue and the government's China policy. He said matters concerning territorial integrity and national security required transparency and political accountability.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), responding to questions about the reported remarks by the ITBP chief, referred queries on specific details to the Ministry of Defence.

The MEA said the situation along the India-China border was periodically affected when Chinese forces deviated from established patrolling patterns. It added that both countries continued to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The ministry also said the two sides had agreed to discuss ways to improve their understanding of the LAC in appropriate areas to strengthen border management. It reiterated that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border was essential for the overall development of bilateral relations.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar