[ Bengia Ajum ]

TAKSING, 29 Aug: Amid conflicting reports about alleged Chinese intrusion in Taksing and Limeking circles of Upper Subansiri district, the ground reality tells a different story.

There is no doubt that the Chinese PLA has encroached into Indian territory in both circles, with the latest reported incident being at Pukarla, where the PLA has allegedly been camping inside Indian territory since 10 July this year.

However, the Indian Army has mobilised forces and is in an advantageous position in some very critical sectors.

Prakash Hari, a local panchayat leader from Taksing, shared that after local people raised an alarm, the Indian Army acted quickly and decisively.

"The PLA made the first move and crossed the LAC into our territory in Shera 4 and Shera 5. Portang Lake, where our ancestors used to visit for spiritual cleansing, has been taken over by the PLA. There is yak-grazing land nearby, and we used to go there to graze our yaks, but we can no longer access it," he alleged.

The locals have no information about their yaks. "Our yaks are taken to the mountains in April and return to Taksing by September last. But since Chinese PLA came inside our territory we are not able to check the status of the yaks," he added.

However, he said the situation on the ground is not as one-sided as it is being portrayed in the media.

"After the locals raised the alarm over the Chinese intrusion, the Indian Army acted quickly. In Shera 3 and Asaphila, our Army is in an advantageous position compared to the PLA. The Indian Army surprised the PLA and checkmated them by acting first and decisively. The Government of India should consolidate its position and construct permanent structures in these areas," he added.

He further said that all local villagers are helping the Army and voluntarily working as porters.

"Taksing village is literally empty. Everyone, including men, women and even government servants working in Taksing, is playing their part in helping the Army. We will protect our land come what may," said Hari.

He also expressed sadness over statements made by some politicians claiming that no Chinese encroachment had taken place.

"When our fellow Arunachalis make such statements, saying that no Chinese encroachment has happened, it hurts us," he added.

He also sought better road and internet connectivity for Taksing and Limeking circles.

Taksing Head Gaon Buri (HGB) Kiochi Chader warned that if Taksing is taken by China, the entire Arunachal Pradesh would be under threat.

"Taksing and the nearby areas have been shared by the Nah and Tibetan people for centuries. Now the Chinese are taking away our land. If Taksing is not saved, the security of the entire Arunachal Pradesh and India will be at risk," she said.

The Gelemo gaon bura said Indian and Chinese forces are engaged in a face-off at Pukarla.

"Both armies are in some kind of face-off in Pukarla. The Chinese have not captured the area; they came first and started camping between CP 5 and CP 6 on 10 July. We are still hopeful that both countries will resolve the issue and return to their respective positions," he added.

Tania Chader, a local BJP worker, said that although he is part of the ruling party, he cannot remain silent.

"Everyone in the Taksing and Limeking circles knows that the Chinese have encroached into our land. Everyone is talking about the Chinese intrusion. We want the Government of India to take strong action to save our land," he said.

"The PLA has captured the land where our forefathers used to hunt and graze yaks. These are lands that belong to the Nah and Mra clans. We raised an alarm because we want to protect our land. We are not against the Army or anyone; in fact, we are among the most patriotic citizens of the nation," Chader added.

There are also reports that the Chinese PLA is starving for food in some sectors.