ITANAGAR : Security concerns have surfaced along the India-China border in Upper Subansiri district after residents of Taksing circle alleged that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has encroached upon their ancestral land by establishing military camps, constructing roads and bridges, and stepping up patrolling in the area.
The allegations were made by the Nah Welfare Society (NWS), which has submitted a representation to the deputy commissioner of Upper Subansiri, seeking intervention into the matter.
According to the representation, PLA activities across the border near Taksing have increased significantly over the past 10 to 15 years with the alleged objective of occupying more territory.
The society claimed that areas such as Oying in the Asaphila region, Paniar in the Chujarta area, Marpan (Marnafe), Portrang Lake and Tingdingtang have been occupied by the PLA. It alleged that these locations, traditionally used by villagers for hunting, yak grazing, collection of medicinal plants and forest produce, now house Chinese military camps connected by roads.
The NWS further alleged that Chinese military outposts have advanced up to Marpan, while road construction has almost reached the Yumichu River, where PLA troops are said to patrol regularly near a hanging bridge at Long Opi, around two kilometres from Taksing.
It also claimed that PLA patrols have been reported near Pakte Longpak, about four kilometres from Yaja village, and alleged that China has expanded its territorial claims towards Damudi.
The society said villagers have lost access to several traditional grazing grounds, including Portrang Lake, Kejula Pass and Ojumeda, forcing them to watch their livestock from a distance while avoiding the attention of security forces on either side of the border.
The NWS alleged that repeated representations on the issue had been made to the Indian Army as well as during visits by Governor K T Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, but no concrete action has followed.
The society, however, expressed confidence in the Indian Army, stating that it has safeguarded the frontier for years. It claimed that while Army personnel continue to patrol the area, some camps have been shifted downhill due to increased PLA activity, and soldiers have conveyed that any action would require directions from higher authorities.
There was no immediate response from the Indian Army or the state government to the allegations.
