Kiren Rijiju Asserts in Parliament: ‘Not a Single Inch of Land Given to China’

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju issued a strong rebuttal in Parliament to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s accusation that China is encroaching upon Indian territory, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. Akhilesh Yadav had earlier alleged that Chinese forces have entered and occupied areas on the Indian side, sparking concerns about national security and territorial sovereignty.

In response, Kiren Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, addressed the Parliament on Tuesday, asserting unequivocally that China has not intruded “even an inch” into Indian land since the 1962 Indo-China war. He specifically included Arunachal Pradesh in his statement to counter the claims made by Yadav, emphasizing that the current status quo has not changed and that no new encroachments have taken place in the recent past.

Rijiju clarified that the territory currently under Chinese control in Arunachal Pradesh was already occupied by China either prior to or during the 1962 war. This historical context, he argued, is crucial to understanding the present situation, and he accused the opposition leader of spreading misinformation. By raising what he considered to be misleading concerns, Rijiju suggested that Akhilesh Yadav was either misinformed or deliberately undermining the integrity of India's border policies and defense forces.

The minister explained that, as someone who comes from Arunachal Pradesh, he felt a personal and moral responsibility to correct the record. He stressed that such comments could potentially create confusion among the public and could be misused internationally, especially in the context of sensitive border issues with China.

Rijiju’s rebuttal also implicitly served as a reaffirmation of the Indian government’s commitment to maintaining the sanctity of its borders. His statements were likely aimed not only at domestic political opponents but also at reassuring the general public and the international community that India remains vigilant and proactive in its territorial defense.

The matter touches upon broader geopolitical tensions between India and China, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Though skirmishes and standoffs have occurred in recent years in regions like Ladakh and Sikkim, the government maintains that no fresh encroachments have taken place in Arunachal Pradesh, contrary to claims by opposition leaders.

Rijiju’s statement comes at a time when border tensions between India and China continue to be a sensitive political issue, often raised in Parliament and in public discourse. His comments are meant to dispel rumors, defend the government’s border policy, and assure the citizens that the situation is under control.

In conclusion, Kiren Rijiju strongly rejected allegations made by Akhilesh Yadav regarding Chinese intrusion into Indian territory, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasized that there has been no recent breach of India’s territorial integrity, and that the current situation reflects legacy issues dating back to the 1962 war, not any new developments.