Rahul Gandhi Alarms Parliament: China Blocks Arunachal Patrols, Demands Modi's Answer

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has raised 'extremely alarming' allegations, claiming that China has blocked Indian troops from patrolling certain areas in Arunachal Pradesh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He openly accused the Narendra Modi government of staying silent on these reported incursions and trying to hide the news from the public. While there has been no official confirmation from the government on Gandhi's specific claims, these accusations have put the spotlight back on the sensitive India-China border dispute. These fresh claims intensify the long-standing border tensions between India and China, particularly concerning Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims as 'South Tibet'. Recent reports indicate face-offs between Indian and Chinese patrols near Taksing in late July and early August 2026, with Chinese units allegedly setting up temporary tents after initial withdrawals. This comes even as both countries, including their Foreign Ministries and the recent 36th Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meeting on August 6, 2026, have publicly spoken about maintaining peace and stability along the border. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has also amplified these concerns, demanding specific answers regarding areas like Taksing and Shera-5, and questioning whether India's access to patrolling points in Eastern Ladakh has been fully restored to pre-May 2020 levels. The allegations, made just weeks before Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September 2026, put significant pressure on the Modi government to offer a clear explanation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated that border issues with China are 'most serious' and critical for bilateral ties, but a direct response to Gandhi's specific claims is awaited. The coming days will likely see continued political debate and demands for transparency, as the nation watches closely for any government statement that could shed light on the ground reality in the disputed border regions.