[ Bengia Ajum ]

ITANAGAR, 21 Aug: Member of Parliament from the Eastern Arunachal parliamentary constituency, Tapir Gao, said that the recent uproar over alleged Chinese intrusions in Upper Subansiri district has vindicated the concerns he had raised on the floor of the Parliament in 2019 regarding PLA intrusions into Arunachal Pradesh.

In a social media post, Gao claimed that a section of people had taken his allegations lightly in 2019, while some had even accused him of discouraging the Army by making such claims. Speaking on the floor of the Parliament, Gao had alleged massive Chinese intrusions in Upper Subansiri, Anjaw and Dibang Valley districts.

"I raised the issue of Chinese PLA intrusions in Arunachal Pradesh during the Parliament session in 2019, but unfortunately, people took it lightly," said Gao.

He said he had cautioned the nation that the PLA had already occupied or intruded into areas along the frontier during 1984-85, including Chamdrung Chu valley in Tawang district; Longju, Bisa, Original Maza and Asapila in Upper Subansiri district; Andrela valley and Andrela Pass in Dibang Valley district; and Glaitakru Pass and Hadigra Pass in Chaglagam of Anjaw district.

"I am glad that, almost eight years after I first raised the issue in Parliament, our people are now taking the matter seriously and becoming more proactive in protecting our territories. The incidents at Shera 4 and 5 in Upper Subansiri district may not have led to such serious confrontations between the Indian Army and the Chinese PLA had these concerns been taken seriously earlier," Gao added.

Gao further said that people living in border villages should be allowed to visit their land and properties in border areas.

"Border security demands vigilance and awareness. We must always be alert and cooperate with the paramilitary forces and the Indian Army in safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation," he added.

His statement is significant, considering that in recent days, people from Taksing and Limeking in Upper Subansiri district have alleged that the PLA has captured large parts of Indian territory. The Army, as well as the state government and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, has dismissed the claims of Chinese intrusions into Indian territory.

Gao, who is not only an MP but also a senior BJP leader, has once again drawn attention with his open assertion regarding alleged Chinese intrusions in Arunachal.