Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, SEPT 12:

The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) has submitted a charter of demands to the state and Central governments seeking urgent measures to strengthen infrastructure and security in the Taksing, Maza and Limeking border areas of the state.

Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here on Saturday, AFTF chairperson Tadak Nalo alleged PLA encroachment in areas from Sera 1 to Sera 9, contradicting Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s recent statement denying any PLA intrusion in the Taksing, Upper Subansiri.

Nalo said that only the tribal inhabitants of Nah and Mara residing in the frontier areas could testify to the ground situation, claiming that they have repeatedly reported alleged PLA intrusion in the Sera 1 to 9 areas.

The forum demanded construction of a porter/mule track up to Sera 9 within a month to facilitate access for the Indian defence forces. It also sought insurance coverage for all local porters and proper network connectivity for immediate communication during emergencies.

The AFTF further demanded construction of a frontier highway connecting Taksing and Limeking and proper implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme in Taksing.

Nalo said the forum would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Chief Minister Pema Khandu, urging them to address the issues.

Meanwhile, the AFTF welcomed the recent meeting between the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) and the Tagin Welfare Society with the Governor.

It also appealed to AAPSU to seek clarification from Rijiju over his statement denying PLA intrusion and urged the union to facilitate a round-table meeting with the Union minister to discuss the border issue.