JNU Professor Warns Of Escalation Risk Along Arunachal LAC

A JNU professor has warned that continued troop deployments and border transgressions along the Arunachal Pradesh frontier could increase conflict risks between India and China.

Border Transgressions And Salami Slicing Strategy

Professor Srikanth Kondapalli stated that China is using a salami slicing strategy along the border. He noted that India and China experience between 380 and 430 transgressions annually along the Line of Actual Control. These incidents can be intentional to assert territorial claims or unintentional due to difficult terrain. Specific locations like Lungchu in the Upper Subansiri district, Takshing, Asaphila, Namka Chu, Sumdorong Chu, Yangtse, Barahoti, Pangong Tso, and Demchok see frequent face-offs.

Incomplete De-escalation And Military Deployments

The professor highlighted that despite disengagement arrangements and high-level diplomatic talks between New Delhi and Beijing, complete de-escalation and de-induction have not happened. Offensive weapon systems remain stationed close to the border. This ongoing military presence means that confrontations could still happen if patrols enforce competing territorial claims, similar to the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash.