Itanagar | Fresh claims of a face-off between the Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have surfaced from Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district after purported photographs and videos of the incident began circulating on social media. However, authorities are yet to officially verify the authenticity of the visuals or confirm that any such confrontation took place.

The images and videos, reportedly carrying a timestamp of July 26, have reignited speculation over alleged Chinese activity in the Taksing Circle along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Some local sources claimed the alleged confrontation may have begun on July 25, though no official statement has substantiated these reports.

The latest claims come weeks after allegations of increased Chinese activity in areas near Taksing, Maza, Galemu, Potrang Lake, Tama Chuchu, Galen Sinyik and Shreechu Valley, close to Asaphila, an area under Chinese control. The Nah Welfare Society (NWS) had earlier alleged that China had built roads, bridges and military camps in locations traditionally accessed by local villagers for grazing and collecting forest produce.

The Indian Army and Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung have consistently rejected reports of any fresh Chinese encroachment, describing them as baseless rumours. Earlier this month, the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit also debunked viral videos claiming a 60-km advance by the PLA, stating that the footage was unrelated and had been recycled.

Despite the official denials, the newly circulated visuals have prompted renewed concerns among residents of the frontier region. Some local leaders and community members have questioned the official narrative, calling for an independent verification of the claims.

Amid the uncertainty, Kamle district public leader Ajay Murtem has written an open letter to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, urging the state government to conduct a ground-level assessment of the reported locations. He also sought a coordinated verification exercise involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), along with an official public statement to counter misinformation and reassure border communities.

Murtem further appealed for enhanced surveillance along the frontier and confidence-building measures for residents living in remote border villages.

With no official confirmation so far, the reported face-off remains unverified. Security agencies have not issued any statement confirming Chinese troop movement or a confrontation in the Taksing sector, while the authenticity of the circulating visuals continues to be examined.