Purported photos, videos claim recent India-China military face off in Arunachal Pradesh: Reports

Reports of a purported recent face-off between the Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district are doing the rounds on social media along with purported video footage of the alleged incident.

While images and videos of the reported standoff have a timestamp of July 26, reports quoting sources stated that the face-off between the two forces may have started on July 25.

Standoff claims emerge

The reports come at a time when there has been a controversy over alleged activity from the Chinese side near Taksing, Maza, Galemu, Potrang Lake, Tama Chuchu, Galen Sinyik and Shreechu Valley, areas close to Asaphila. Notably, these areas are reportedly under the control of the PLA.

Also Read: Congress slams Rijiju over China's Arunachal 'incursions': 'Govt words must match reality'

The matter was first flagged by a local tribal organisation, the Nah Welfare Society. It alleged that roads, bridges and military camps have been built by China on land traditionally used by locals for the purposes of grazing and forest produce.

Encroachment allegations

However, the claims of fresh encroachment by China were reportedly denied by the Indian Army and Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung, with both terming them as rumours.

Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh town loses a sixth of its forest to urban sprawl

Earlier, the Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau had flagged some viral videos which claimed a 60-kilometre advance by the PLA as unrelated and recycled footage.

Fresh visuals surface

But now, the newly surfaced photos and videos are reportedly being cited by residents and local leaders as evidence contradicting official statements.

Also Read: India rejects China’s renaming of places in Arunachal, calls it ‘fictitious’ claims

Meanwhile, a local leader from the Kamle district, Ajay Murtem, in an open letter to the Chief Minister has reportedly urged the government to perform an on-ground assessment of the allegedly affected areas as well as to coordinate with the Union Home Ministry, Army and ITBP to confirm the facts and issue an official statement to deal with alleged misinformation.

Call for verification

In the letter, Murtem has also appealed for boosting surveillance at the border and confidence-building measures for locals. Copies of the letter have reportedly been marked to the state and Union Home Ministers.