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GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh Congress president and former education minister Bosiram Siram on Monday alleged that Chinese troops had intruded 40 to 50 kilometres into Indian territory in Upper Subansiri district, raising concerns over security along the India-China border.
However, Chief Minister Pema Khandu rejected the allegation, saying he did not believe any incursion was taking place.
Siram said a Congress delegation led by him visited border areas from August 26 to 29, travelling from Itanagar through Nacho to Limeking and Taksing, where they spoke with local residents. The delegation included Congress working president and former home minister Tanga Byaling and Upper Subansiri MP Jarodum Kri.
“Today, Chinese PLA personnel are stationed up there, at intervals. You can see the Army. They are on top of the mountains, while we are down below,” Siram said.
In June, the Nah Welfare Society, a local organisation, first alleged that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had expanded its presence near Taksing. The Indian Army dismissed the claim as “incorrect and without any basis”.
In August, a team from the People’s Party of Arunachal also alleged that Indian patrols were being denied access to key points along the border.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected a separate claim of a 60-kilometre Chinese intrusion but acknowledged increased Chinese activity on high ridges.
Questioning the government’s denials, Siram said repeated complaints from border residents warranted a thorough and impartial investigation.
“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.
Siram also referred to recent remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujit Singh Kapoor about face-off locations. He called for a transparent, high-level investigation by the central government and the Defence Ministry into the situation reported by local residents.
“Serious border-related issues should not be ignored by dismissing them as allegations or rumours. The facts must be established to ensure the security of the country’s borders and protect the rights and livelihoods of people living in border areas,” he said.
Siram further alleged that areas had disappeared from online maps and come under Chinese control, claiming that the entire Asaphila area and other strategically important locations, including high ground, were under Chinese occupation.
“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,” he added.
He alleged that Chinese PLA activities had disrupted the lives and traditional livelihoods of local residents.
“The central government and the Ministry of Defence must take immediate steps to ensure border security and protect the rights, livelihoods and traditionally used areas of residents,” Siram said.