The recent controversy over alleged Chinese intrusions in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district has brought back a warning raised by BJP leader and Eastern Arunachal MP Tapir Gao in Parliament seven years ago.
Gao said his concerns over alleged People’s Liberation Army activity along the Arunachal frontier, which he had raised in 2019, were largely dismissed at the time. In a social media post, he recalled that some people had even accused him of demoralising the Indian Army by speaking about the alleged intrusions.
“I raised the issue of Chinese PLA intrusions in Arunachal Pradesh during the Parliament session in 2019, but unfortunately, people took it lightly,” Gao said.
According to the MP, he had then alleged intrusions in Upper Subansiri, Anjaw and Dibang Valley districts. He also claimed that the PLA had occupied or entered several frontier areas during 1984-85, including Chamdrung Chu valley in Tawang, Longju, Bisa, Original Maza and Asapila in Upper Subansiri, Andrela valley and Andrela Pass in Dibang Valley, and Glaitakru Pass and Hadigra Pass in the Chaglagam area of Anjaw.
Gao said he was encouraged that people were now paying greater attention to border security and becoming more proactive in protecting frontier areas.
Referring to recent developments around Shera 4 and Shera 5 in Upper Subansiri, he said the situation might not have escalated to such a serious level had his earlier concerns been given adequate attention.
The MP also called for residents of border villages to be allowed to access their land and properties in frontier areas, stressing that local communities have an important role in strengthening border vigilance.
“Border security demands vigilance and awareness,” Gao said, urging people to remain alert and cooperate with the Indian Army and paramilitary forces in protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
Gao’s comments come amid recent allegations by residents of Taksing and Limeking that the PLA had captured large stretches of Indian territory in Upper Subansiri. The Indian Army, Arunachal Pradesh government and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, have rejected claims of Chinese forces occupying Indian territory.
The latest controversy has once again placed Gao’s long-standing concerns about alleged Chinese activity along Arunachal Pradesh’s frontier at the centre of public attention.
