Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Congress president Bosiram Siram has alleged that Chinese soldiers entered 40 to 50 km inside Indian territory in Upper Subansiri district. He also claimed that Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed in the last week of July.
Siram, a former state education minister, made the allegations at a press conference after leading a Congress delegation to border villages between August 26 and 29. The team travelled from Itanagar through Nacho to Limeking and Taksing and spoke to local residents.
He said residents told the delegation that soldiers from both sides used sticks and fought physically. He also claimed that the Indian Army responded to aggressive actions by Chinese troops.
There has been no independent confirmation of the alleged clashes or of the claim that Chinese troops entered so deep into Indian territory. Siram has demanded a high-level inquiry and said authorities should not dismiss the concerns of border residents.
Border Access Hit
Siram said the movement of China’s People’s Liberation Army had affected villagers who depend on remote border areas for their livelihood. According to him, residents could no longer freely visit areas where they herded yaks, hunted or collected forest produce.
“We are seriously concerned about the Chinese incursions and the situation along the India-China border. During our visit to the border areas, we found that the situation needs to be examined carefully,” Siram said.
He said the alleged restrictions were not only a security matter but also affected the livelihood of people living near the border.
Probe, Not Dismissal
Siram asked why residents were repeatedly raising complaints if no intrusion or hostile activity had taken place.
“If no intrusion or aggressive activity has occurred on the border, why are residents repeatedly raising these complaints? Instead of brushing off these allegations merely as rumours, a thorough and impartial factual investigation must be conducted,” he said.
He urged the central government to check the situation on the ground before rejecting the claims. He warned that ignoring problems related to border security and people’s livelihoods could create bigger issues later.
Better Roads, Local Regiment
Siram also spoke about poor facilities in remote border areas. He alleged that weak mobile networks, poor internet and transport problems were causing difficulties for both soldiers and residents.
“Communication facilities and infrastructure on the Chinese side are better. We need to improve facilities in our border areas as well. All-weather roads leading to the border, round-the-clock mobile and internet connectivity, and better amenities for our soldiers are essential,” Siram said.
He asked the Centre and the Ministry of Defence to focus on all-weather roads, communication networks and other facilities in important border areas.
Siram also demanded an Arunachal Regiment, saying local youth knew the state’s mountains and could help guard the border.
“Our youth are familiar with the local geography and mountainous terrain. They can play an important role in securing the border. An Arunachal Regiment should be considered, giving priority to the state’s youth,” he said.
Siram said his delegation had wanted to meet Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan during his September visit to Arunachal Pradesh to brief him on the border situation, but the meeting did not take place.
He said the government should examine the allegations properly instead of ignoring them. He warned that if issues related to border security and the livelihood of border residents were not resolved, they could lead to bigger problems in the future.