[ Bengia Ajum ]

ITANAGAR, 30 Jun: After the Nah Welfare Society (NWS) alleged that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had encroached into Indian territory near Taksing in Upper Subansiri district, the Indian Army on Tuesday issued a statement saying that the claim is “incorrect and without any basis.”

“We have seen some media reports alleging recent encroachment by the Chinese PLA and the setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh. These reports are incorrect and without any basis,” the Indian Army said in a statement.

Earlier, the NWS had claimed that the PLA was expanding its presence by occupying new and strategically important areas of Indian territory along the border. The society further alleged that areas such as Oying (2445) in the Asaphila area, Paniar (Chujarta area), Marpan (Marnafe), Portrang (Lake), and Tingdingtang (TG) – all located close to Taksing – had been captured by the PLA, where it had also set up a military camp. The society had written to the Upper Subansiri deputy commissioner regarding the matter.

Speaking to this daily, NWS president Keru Chader said the society stands by its claim and has not shared any misinformation.

“The areas where we once used to hunt and where the Assam Rifles and local administration used to patrol can no longer be accessed by us because the Chinese PLA is regularly present there. The Chinese have reached just 15 to 20 km from the Taksing headquarters,” claimed Chader.

He further alleged that the Chinese PLA gradually started occupying Indian territory after the 1962 war.

“My father was a public interpreter (PI) and worked closely with security officials in the Taksing area. So I have a fair idea of where our territory once extended. From 2005-07 onwards, the encroachment intensified,” he added.

Chader also alleged government apathy towards the Taksing area.

“We got road connectivity only a few years ago. There is no proper mobile network. We have repeatedly raised the connectivity issue with the state government, but not much has changed,” said Chader.

Meanwhile, a senior government official here said the NWS’ claim was “overstated.”

“It is a known fact that there are large stretches along the international boundary that are claimed by both sides and where both armies regularly conduct patrols. Until the India-China boundary dispute is resolved, such claims are likely to continue,” the official added.