Itanagar: A tribal body in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district has alleged that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been steadily taking over parts of its ancestral land along the India-China border, and has sought immediate verification and action from the state and central governments.
The Nah Welfare Society (NWS) has submitted a memorandum to the Upper Subansiri district deputy commissioner, claiming that grazing grounds, hunting areas and farmland under the Taksing revenue circle have come under Chinese control over the past six years, as reported by The Times of India.
“Our ancestral lands, which were our hunting areas where we freely roamed and collected forest products a few years back, and our cattle grazing areas are now under the occupation of the Chinese PLA,” NWS president Keru Chader said in the memorandum.
The NWS claimed that Chinese forces have spread to several areas, including Oying in the Asaphila
region, Paniar (Chujarta), Marpan (Marnafe), Potrang Lake and Tindingtang, saying these places had remained with the local community until around 2020.
It also claimed that the PLA has built roads and military structures within what it described as Indian territory.
According to the NWS, Chinese activity in the Taksing sector has grown over the past decade to 15 years, with the aim of gradually expanding territorial control.
“We do not doubt our Army and always have faith in them. They have been guarding our land for many years, but their efforts are not enough. The intention and speed of the present activities of the Chinese PLA at the Taksing area is very alarming… We are losing our land inch by inch day by day to them,” Chader noted.
Nacho MLA Nakap Nalo said the allegations should be officially checked by the administration, given their significance for national security.
“The allegations need to be officially confirmed by the administration,” he said, adding that if the claims are true, they would be a matter of grave concern.
Former MLA and National People’s Party leader Paknga Bage also urged the state government to examine the matter without delay. Referring to photographic evidence said to have been submitted by the NWS, Bage said local residents were worried and were reminded of the 1962 India-China war.
He also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MPs and Chief Minister Pema Khandu to state clearly the government’s position on the alleged Chinese presence along the Line of Actual Control in the Taksing sector.