[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, 5 Jul: The Nah Welfare Society (NWS) on Sunday clarified that the recent memorandum it submitted to the Upper Subansiri deputy commissioner was meant solely to highlight long-pending grievances and seek urgent government action to strengthen border security, improve strategic infrastructure, and address the concerns of the border dwellers.

The memorandum, which alleged encroachment by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in several border areas in Upper Subansiri district, had gone viral on social media, sparking widespread debate across the state.

The memorandum alleged encroachments by the PLA at Oying (2445) in the Asaphila area, Paniar (Chujarta area), Marpan (Marnafe), Potrang Lake and Tindingtang (TG).

NWS general secretary Tache Chader said the organisation holds the highest regard for the Indian Army, and that it has no political agenda.

“We truly respect our Indian Army and their dedicated service in safeguarding our border villages. Our only objective is to draw the attention of the government, so that immediate precautionary measures are taken by deploying more Indian Army personnel in vulnerable border areas. This will ensure greater security and confidence among the villagers,” Chader said.

 He further clarified that the memorandum was submitted on 26 June and was never intended for public circulation. “It was mistakenly shared on social media by one of our members without the consent of the society,” he said.

According to Chader, the society has repeatedly raised concerns over alleged PLA incursions with the government over the past several years.

He said that representations were submitted to Chief Minister Pema Khandu during visit to Taliha a few years ago, and to former governor BD Mishra. However, no satisfactory action followed, the society said.

On 29 September, 2023, another memorandum was submitted to Governor KT Parnaik, highlighting various issues, including alleged frequent PLA trespass into the ancestral land traditionally used for yak rearing in high-altitude grazing grounds, particularly in Kejula and Sagamla areas.

The society, citing villagers, said that several temporary huts constructed by yak herders in these grazing grounds were allegedly burnt down in recent years. It also alleged that PLA personnel prevented villagers from grazing their yaks in traditional pasturelands, and that some yaks were allegedly killed, creating fear among herders and deterring them from visiting their ancestral grazing lands.

The NWS reiterated its demand for the establishment of defence outposts and security check posts at vulnerable locations, including Yamranchu, Pokalra, Pyabro Nyodi, Kejula and the Yaja-Pindogo river junction. It stated that, despite repeated appeals, no concrete action has been taken.

The 2023 memorandum had also urged the government to construct a strategic road connecting Redding village in Taksing circle of Upper Subansiri district with Huri in Damin circle of Kurung Kumey district.

According to the society, the proposed road would provide the shortest route from Assam, strengthen defence logistics, and improve connectivity between the two regions.

It added that a similar proposal had earlier been submitted to union minister Kiren Rijiju, but the project is still awaiting approval.

The villagers also demanded early release of compensation for land acquired by the Indian Army at Taksing headquarters, Redding, Lower Baliza, Ghora Camp and Yumme. They said although all necessary documents and official formalities were completed several years ago, compensation has not yet been paid.

The society further demanded construction of porter tracks, log bridges, ladder bridges and suspension bridges between Yaja village under Taksing circle and Gelomo/Bidak village under Limeking circle via the Korolosi-Pyabro Nyodi area to improve connectivity in the remote border region.

The villagers alleged that the PLA has been gradually advancing towards their traditional areas and expressed fear that, if preventive measures are not taken, future territorial claims could directly affect their villages.

The villagers also expressed concern over Potrang Lake, locally known as Poryang Yanyi Synyik, which they described as a sacred lake of immense religious, cultural and emotional significance to the Nah community, alleging that Chinese structures have reportedly been erected near the area. They expressed fear that the lake could eventually be claimed by China.

The villagers stated that, because the LAC has not been physically demarcated in many areas, local residents may unknowingly cross into disputed territory while grazing yaks or hunting, which could lead to detention by the PLA.

They also claimed that during a census exercise, their proposal for inclusion of their ancestral Chunga area for a new village was not reflected under the Indian jurisdiction, causing anxiety among local residents.

The state government has maintained that the claims regarding alleged encroachment will be verified through an official ground inspection before any conclusion is drawn.