Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has played down reports of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) entering Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh, saying that the mere painting of marks in undemarcated areas does not constitute encroachment.

Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, explained that overlapping patrols by Indian and Chinese forces in undemarcated areas along the Sino-Indian border are common, but do not lead to encroachment of Indian territory.

The comments come amidst reports that the PLA allegedly entered Indian territory in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, camping in the Kapapu area for some time. Pictures of bonfires, painted rocks, and Chinese food materials were shared on social media.

Rijiju assured that India is building infrastructure along the border and will continue to do so, while maintaining strict vigilance to prevent any encroachment.

The incident occurs amidst an ongoing stand-off between the Indian army and the PLA in Ladakh since April 2020.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, a claim India has repeatedly rejected, asserting that the state is an integral part of the country.