Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh minister Balo Raja has asserted that India is strong and its intelligence capabilities have improved significantly, responding to a controversy over reported remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapur about the India-China border.
Speaking to reporters in Itanagar on Tuesday, Raja questioned why a senior security official would make statements that could create an impression of India being weak.
“Why make statements like that when you are a DG? Why perceive yourself as weak? India is very strong,” Raja said.
He also referred to the spy thriller Dhurandhar while highlighting India’s intelligence capabilities.
“You must have seen the ‘Dhurandhar’ movie; watch it, and you will see how much India’s intelligence capabilities have grown,” he said.
ITBP chief’s reported remarks trigger political reactions
The minister’s comments came after reports about Kapur’s remarks on continuing face-offs between Indian and Chinese forces at several locations along the frontier in Arunachal Pradesh.
Kapur reportedly addressed the issue while speaking to ITBP personnel at an event in Alwar, Rajasthan, on October 22. He also praised the force’s newly raised Shaurya commando teams for their role in handling confrontations along the border.
During the address, Kapur stressed the need to modernise weapons and equipment and improve the force’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, including drone warfare. He also said traditional methods of warfare were no longer sufficient to counter China, which he described as India’s biggest adversary.
The reported remarks prompted political reactions, with opposition leaders seeking clarification from the Centre about the border situation and the circumstances surrounding the face-offs.
Centre reiterates position on India-China border
The controversy comes as the ITBP steps up efforts to modernise its equipment, strengthen specialised training and improve operational capabilities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also clarified the government’s position following reports about Kapur’s comments on confrontations with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Arunachal Pradesh.
During a briefing, the MEA said disturbances occurred periodically when Chinese forces deviated from established patrolling patterns. It added that both countries continued to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to address outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The ministry also stressed that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas remained essential for the overall development of India-China relations.