New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday questioned the Centre's priorities, alleging that the government was focusing on preventing protests in Delhi instead of addressing national security concerns, including challenges along the China border.

Referring to American national Matthew VanDyke, who was arrested for allegedly training armed groups in Myanmar, Dipke sarcastically questioned the seriousness with which the case was being treated.

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“It is not that he wanted to wave the flag of our country. If he wanted to wave the flag of our country then it could have been a big national security threat, but he was just training some terrorists, so it is not a big deal,” he said.

Dipke also referred to remarks made by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapur on the challenges posed by China. He alleged that security personnel meant to protect India's borders were instead being deployed in Delhi to prevent demonstrations.

“So there are a lot of concerning things, but the priority is the same. Matthew Van Dyke is not a big priority, India-China border safety is not a big priority, what is the priority, no one should protest in Delhi, no one should ask for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation in Delhi,” Dipke said.

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added: “China is not letting him show his red eyes, Trump is not letting him say anything.”

Matthew VanDyke case and court order

VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals were arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in March for allegedly entering Myanmar through Mizoram and training members of ethnic armed groups in drone warfare, operations, assembly and jamming technology.

On Friday, a Delhi court permitted VanDyke to travel to the United States. It also extended permission for the six Ukrainian co-accused to remain outside India until February 24, 2027.

ITBP chief flags challenges along China border

Dipke's remarks came a day after ITBP chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapur said that face-offs had taken place at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh and were continuing. He also highlighted the challenges arising from China's military modernisation.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has extended the deployment of 273 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies in Delhi until October 31 for the second time, official sources said.

The extension was ordered amid concerns over possible “flash protests” by political and other groups.

The forces were deployed earlier this month following demonstrations by the CJP and other groups demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

PTI