The opposition party cites remarks attributed to the ITBP chief on continuing border confrontations and demands an all-party briefing, clarity on patrolling access and a comprehensive account of the security situation.
NEW DELHI, (Economy India): The Congress on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over reported face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh, demanding that he make a comprehensive statement in Parliament on the border situation and take the nation into confidence.
The opposition party alleged that the government had not adequately addressed concerns over developments along the China border. It also questioned the outcomes of diplomatic engagements with Beijing and called for greater transparency on India’s security position.
There was no immediate response from the government or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the Congress’s allegations, according to the report provided.
Congress Cites ITBP Chief’s Remarks on Arunachal Border
The Congress referred to remarks attributed to Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapoor concerning recent encounters with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
According to the report, Kapoor said skirmishes along the border continued and that face-offs had occurred at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh in recent days.
The Congress described the reported developments as a serious national security concern and asked the government to clarify the current ground situation.
The claims about the confrontations and their implications for patrolling access were not independently established in the supplied report.
Kharge Questions Border Security and Patrolling Access
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, in a post on X, called on the Prime Minister to address concerns over China and provide clear answers to Parliament and the public.
Kharge said the armed forces enjoyed the confidence of the people but argued that national security required accountability and transparency.
He also questioned whether another serious confrontation was developing following the Doklam and Galwan episodes.
Referring to reports of Chinese incursions near Taksing in August, Kharge questioned why reported confrontations were continuing despite Corps Commander-level talks at Wacha-Damai.
He asked whether India’s patrolling access had been compromised and whether patrolling rights that existed before May 2020 had been fully restored.
Kharge also stressed that Arunachal Pradesh was an inseparable part of India and questioned why the public had not received a comprehensive account of the situation.
Jairam Ramesh Criticises Government’s China Policy
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the Prime Minister and his administration of maintaining what he described as a prolonged silence on developments involving China.
Ramesh linked the party’s concerns to Modi’s remarks on June 19, 2020, following the deadly Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.
The Congress leader argued that the government’s handling of the border issue had raised questions about India’s diplomatic approach and the results of subsequent engagements with China.
His remarks reflected the opposition party’s criticism of the government’s China policy. The supplied report did not include a government response to these specific allegations.
Pawan Khera Demands Comprehensive Parliamentary Statement
Addressing a press conference, Congress head of media and publicity Pawan Khera reiterated the party’s demand for an explanation from the Prime Minister.
Khera argued that the country needed a clear account of the border situation and questioned the government’s response to repeated concerns raised by the opposition.
He also referred to China’s reported support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, using the issue to criticise the government’s broader approach to national security.
During the press conference, Khera displayed slogans targeting the Prime Minister and accused him of attacking the Congress instead of answering questions about China.
The remarks formed part of the Congress’s political criticism of the government’s handling of border and diplomatic issues.
Congress Lists Demands on Border Security
The Congress called for a series of measures to address its concerns about the situation along the India-China frontier.
The party demanded:
- A comprehensive statement in Parliament by the Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Home Minister.
- A confidential briefing for all political parties on the border situation.
- A credible account of restored patrolling access and the rights of frontier communities.
- A time-bound plan to modernise ITBP capabilities.
- Stronger forward infrastructure along sensitive border areas.
- Measures to reduce India’s strategic dependence on China.
Khera said the armed forces required political clarity, equipment and consistent support to address security challenges.
The party also raised questions about the present ground situation in Arunachal Pradesh, India’s ability to patrol Shera-5, the status of arrangements in eastern Ladakh before May 2020 and the outcomes of meetings between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Congress Seeks Clarity on India-China Relations
The latest criticism places border management and India’s relationship with China back at the centre of a political debate over national security.
The Congress has called for greater disclosure about the situation on the ground, particularly concerning reported confrontations and access to traditional patrolling areas.
The government and the BJP had not immediately responded to the allegations in the supplied report. Further official clarification would be needed to establish the current operational situation, the extent of any restrictions on patrolling and the status of border arrangements.
(Economy India)
