ITANAGAR, 20 Aug: The Congress party in Arunachal has demanded that the government come clean on alleged Chinese intrusions in the Taksing sector and place verified facts before the people.
Rejecting Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's remarks over Rahul Gandhi's concerns on alleged Chinese intrusion and strategic activities along the Arunachal frontier, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) working president Tanga Byaling said that national security cannot be reduced to a political exchange between the BJP and the Congress. He said that the people of the state need facts, transparency, and security, and not political rhetoric.
"The people of Arunachal Pradesh do not need political rhetoric. They need facts, transparency and security. If the government says our frontier is safe, let it place the verified facts before the people," Byaling said in a press statement on Thursday.
He said that, instead of attacking Rahul Gandhi, Rijiju should answer the substantive questions: "what was alleged, what has been verified, what is the government's assessment, and what action has been taken."
Byaling, also a former home minister of the state, said: "If the government maintains that the Arunachal-China boundary remains undemarcated, it must clearly explain its position on the McMahon Line, the Line of Actual Control and areas claimed by both sides."
Referring to allegations raised by the Nah Welfare Society regarding Chinese PLA activities and infrastructure in the Taksing sector, Byaling noted that the Indian Army has subsequently rejected reports of recent Chinese encroachment as incorrect and without basis.
"This apparent contradiction makes credible verification - not political argument - all the more necessary. If the allegations are false, establish that transparently. If there is any genuine concern, tell the people what corrective action is being taken," he said.
Byaling demanded a clarification on the government's verified assessment of the Taksing sector, reports from the district administration and security agencies, changes in patrolling or traditional access, and measures to protect frontier communities.
He also called upon Minister Nyato Dukam, as the representative of the area, to place the verified ground situation before the people.
Byaling reiterated that Arunachal is an integral and inseparable part of India, and that its territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
Meanwhile, Byaling also demanded transparency regarding the original and revised alignment of the Arunachal Frontier Highway, particularly in strategically sensitive areas.
He questioned why the original alignment was changed and what the technical and strategic justification was, which competent authorities approved the changes, what the assessment of the Army and security agencies is, and whether the revised alignment affects connectivity, surveillance or access to sensitive frontier areas.
Byaling demanded an independent and time-bound inquiry into any credible allegations concerning land acquisition, contracts, compensation, tendering, expenditure, or other irregularities connected with the project.
"A strategic highway cannot become a highway for corruption. Every kilometre constructed and every rupee spent must serve the national interest," he said.
He clarified that Congress is not claiming it as an established fact that any realignment has created a "buffer zone," but demanded a comprehensive technical and strategic audit to determine whether any sensitive area has been left inadequately connected or monitored.
