Itanagar, October 28: Arunachal Pradesh minister Balo Raja has asserted that India is strong and questioned why the country should be perceived as weak amid a debate over reported face-offs between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Speaking to reporters in Itanagar on October 28, Raja, who holds the portfolios of Urban Affairs, Land Management and Civil Aviation, responded to remarks attributed to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) leadership about continuing confrontations at several locations along the Arunachal Pradesh frontier.
“Why make statements like that when you are a DIG? Why perceive yourself as weak? India is very strong,” Raja said.
The minister also referred to the spy thriller Dhurandhar while highlighting India’s intelligence capabilities.
“You must have seen the ‘Dhurandhar’ movie; watch it, and you will see how much India’s intelligence capabilities have grown,” he added.
Balo Raja’s Remarks Amid Border Debate
Raja’s comments come amid renewed political discussion over the situation along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.
The debate intensified after ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapur reportedly spoke about face-offs between Indian and Chinese forces at multiple locations along the frontier. The reported remarks have prompted questions from opposition leaders about the situation on the ground and the government’s handling of border security.
However, Raja’s statement focused on India’s strength and intelligence capabilities. His comments should not be interpreted as an official operational assessment of the border situation.
Opposition Seeks Clarity on Border Situation
The border issue has also drawn criticism from opposition leaders.
On October 24, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi sought a detailed explanation from the Narendra Modi-led government regarding alleged Chinese intrusions and reports that Indian patrols and civilians had been prevented from accessing certain areas.
Owaisi raised questions about the locations involved, the duration of the alleged restrictions and the government’s approach to the border issue. He also called for greater transparency and parliamentary discussion.
The allegations and questions raised in the political debate do not, by themselves, establish the precise status of the areas concerned. Details about specific locations and incidents require confirmation from the relevant authorities.
What Has the Centre Said About the LAC?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that the situation along the India-China border can be disrupted when Chinese forces move away from established patrolling patterns.
The ministry has directed questions about specific incidents to the Ministry of Defence. It has also stated that India and China continue to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings along the Line of Actual Control.
The MEA has further emphasised that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations.
Why the Border Issue Matters
The Line of Actual Control separates Indian- and Chinese-controlled territories in the border areas, although the two countries do not agree on the alignment of the LAC in all sectors.
Arunachal Pradesh remains a sensitive part of the India-China border dispute. Reports of confrontations or restrictions on patrolling therefore carry significant security and diplomatic implications.
Arunachal Pradesh minister Balo Raja’s remarks have brought renewed attention to India’s strength and intelligence capabilities amid the ongoing debate over the India-China border situation. His statement comes at a time when border security and the status of patrolling along the Line of Actual Control remain important issues in India-China relations.
