Kolkata, May 17: Eastern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita on Monday said China is engaged in infrastructure capacity enhancement across the international border in Arunachal Pradesh.

Admitting that the hostile terrains and inclement weather are major challenges in this border front, Lt Gen Kalita said that infrastructure work is being carried out, roads are being constructed and old advanced landing grounds being revived in the Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh.

He said that India is also constantly upgrading its infrastructure and capabilities to deal with any situation which may arise along the border.

“Across the Line of Actual Control in the Tibet region, a lot of infrastructure upgradation is going on. The other side is continually developing their road, rail and air connectivity as well as 5G mobile network to improve their position to respond to a situation or mobilise forces,” Lt Gen Kalita told the media.

The Chinese authorities have built border villages close to the LAC and there are possibilities these can be used for dual purposes, he said adding that the Indian Army is fully ready with “high level of operational preparedness”.

“The border villages can be used for civilians as well as to mobilise troops to the forward areas,” he said.

The Eastern Army Commander further said, “We are always closely monitoring the situation. Actual border line is not accurately demarcated, especially along the McMahon Line creating different perceptions of the border between India and China that are not agreed upon by both countries.”

Any intrusion whenever taking place along the border with China and whatever is reported, that is only due to the perceptional matter even though there has been no major case of intrusion since the 1962 war.

“We expect there would be no problem along the border once the boundary is properly demarcated,” Lt Gen Kalita said.

He said, “The border in the eastern frontier has varied challenges. Our Army displayed exemplary professionalism and bravery. It was extremely eventful during the past one year and we have dealt with all challenges. We are fully prepared to effectively deal with all the challenges in future.”

“But we have robust mechanisms in place in line with existing bilateral agreements and protocols to defuse tension and work towards peace along the LAC.”