ITANAGAR, 14 Sep: The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Monday demanded that the Arunachal Pradesh government immediately seek a detailed factual report from the union government and security agencies regarding the reported Chinese activities around Taksing and place the concerns of the local population directly before the prime minister.
Questioning Chief Minister Pema Khandu's "stoic silence and dismissive approach" to the concerns raised by the people of Taksing over alleged Chinese intrusions, IYC general secretary Tarh Johny asked whether the chief minister is afraid to speak for Arunachal.
He said the chief minister's silence raises serious questions about his political responsibility and commitment to the people of the state.
The IYC general secretary said residents of Taksing and adjoining areas are repeatedly reporting alleged Chinese PLA activities and possible transgressions,and that the chief minister cannot downplay their concerns or wait for Delhi to define the reality on Arunachal's soil.
Johny said if there is no Chinese intrusion or transgression, the government must publicly clarify the facts through an immediate and transparent verification, and if there is any unauthorised Chinese activity, the people deserve to know what action is being taken to protect India's territorial integrity.
"The people of Taksing are the ones living on the frontier. If they are sounding the alarm, their concerns cannot simply be brushed aside from the comfort of government offices in Itanagar or Delhi," he said.
Johny said that the chief minister had initially stated that he did not believe an intrusion was taking place,and that he would verify the reports with the Army and local people.
The Youth Congress leader lamented that, even after repeated representations from local organisations and the submission of fact-finding reports, there has been no strong public follow-up and no clear assurance to the people of Arunachal.
"At a time when the prime minister was meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, the people of Arunachal Pradesh expected their chief minister to make the concerns of Taksing a clear and unequivocal national issue. Diplomatic engagement with Beijing cannot become an excuse for political silence in Itanagar," the IYC leader said in a press statement.
He also demanded that the state government make the factual position public, ensure that representatives of the affected frontier communities are heard and their concerns properly verified, and keep the people of Arunachal informed.
"Arunachal Pradesh is not merely a geographical boundary on India's map, but home to thousands of citizens who live on the country's frontline and stand as India's first civilian line of defence. Their concerns deserve respect, protection and an immediate response," he added.
