The Congress party has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify the government’s position following remarks by the chief of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) concerning Arunachal Pradesh. The opposition party has raised questions over the comments and urged the Prime Minister to provide a clear explanation regarding the sensitive border region.
Arunachal Pradesh, which shares a long and strategically important border with China, has remained a key focus of India’s national security and diplomatic efforts. China claims parts of the state and has repeatedly objected to Indian leaders visiting the region, while New Delhi has consistently maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.
The Congress has sought clarification from the government, arguing that statements concerning border security and territorial sovereignty must be addressed transparently. Its demand for the Prime Minister to “come clean” reflects the party’s call for an official explanation of the ITBP chief’s remarks and their implications.
The party also questioned the outcome of repeated diplomatic engagements between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Congress leaders argued that the public deserved greater clarity on whether the talks had improved security conditions along the border.
ITBP chief’s remarks spark political row
ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Kapur reportedly made the remarks on October 22 while addressing personnel at a felicitation ceremony in Alwar, Rajasthan. He said face-offs had occurred at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh and were continuing. He also praised the performance of the force’s Shaurya commando teams during the confrontations.
The remarks attracted attention because they appeared to confirm continuing tensions along the India-China border, even after military-level discussions aimed at managing the situation.
Government’s position on border tensions
Responding to questions about the border situation, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said disturbances could occur when Chinese forces deviated from established patrolling patterns. He reiterated that India and China were using existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to prevent misunderstandings and maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The government’s response comes amid renewed scrutiny of border management and India’s diplomatic relationship with China.
The Congress has called for a comprehensive statement in Parliament, an all-party briefing and clarification on Indian troops’ access to patrolling areas. The controversy has added to the political debate over national security, diplomatic accountability and the government’s handling of relations with Beijing.
As the issue develops, the central questions remain the precise nature of the reported face-offs, the situation on the ground and the steps being taken to safeguard India’s border interests.
