Indian Army rejects claims of Chinese encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh, calls reports ‘Baseless’

The Indian Army has dismissed reports alleging that Chinese troops have encroached into Arunachal Pradesh and set up camps inside Indian territory. The clarification came after a local tribal organisation in Upper Subansiri district claimed that the Chinese PLA had occupied traditional grazing and hunting lands near the border in the Taksing sector.

The Indian Army on June 29 rejected media reports claiming that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) had recently encroached into Arunachal Pradesh and established camps within Indian territory.

In an official statement, the Army said the reports were “incorrect and without any basis.”

“We have seen some media reports alleging recent encroachment by the Chinese PLA and the setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh. These reports are incorrect and without any basis,” the statement said.

Indian Army- "We have seen some media reports alleging recent encroachment by Chinese PLA and setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh. These reports are incorrect and without any basis." pic.twitter.com/N3SSJQYL7l

— ANI (@ANI) June 29, 2026

The clarification came after reports based on a memorandum submitted by the Nah Welfare Society (NWS), a local tribal body in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district.

The NWS submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Upper Subansiri, alleging that the Chinese military has gradually expanded its presence in the border areas of Taksing over the past several years.

According to the organisation, large stretches of traditional grazing, hunting and agricultural lands used by the Nah tribal community have allegedly come under Chinese control during the last six years.

NWS president Keru Chader claimed that areas once freely accessed by local residents are no longer accessible due to the presence of Chinese forces.

“Our ancestral lands, which were our hunting areas where we freely roamed and collected forest products a few years back, and our cattle grazing areas, are now under the occupation of the Chinese PLA,” the memorandum stated.

The welfare society alleged that Chinese activities had intensified over the past 10 to 15 years and that several locations traditionally used by the community had gradually come under Chinese occupation after 2020.

The memorandum specifically mentioned Oying (Asaphila area), Paniar (Chujarta area), Marpan (Marnafe), Potrang Lake and Tindingtang (TG). Some of these locations are situated near Taksing headquarters and are considered important religious and pilgrimage sites by local residents.

The organisation also alleged that the PLA had constructed roads, bridges and military camps in the border region.

While expressing confidence in the Indian Army, the NWS said local residents were concerned about the pace of Chinese activities in the Taksing sector.

“We do not doubt our Army and always have faith in them. They have been guarding our land for many years, but the intention and speed of the present activities of the Chinese PLA at Taksing area is very alarming and a matter of grave concern for us,” the memorandum said.

The development comes amid ongoing diplomatic and military engagement between India and China on border-related issues.

Last month, the two countries held the 35th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs in Beijing.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides reviewed the situation along the border and expressed satisfaction with efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity in frontier areas. The discussions also covered border management, boundary-related issues, institutional mechanisms and cross-border cooperation.

Despite the allegations raised by the local organisation, the Indian Army has categorically denied reports of any recent Chinese encroachment or establishment of camps inside Arunachal Pradesh.