Taksing and Limeking circles of Upper Subansiri district have been in the spotlight on social media and in mainstream news amid allegations by local communities that Chinese nationals have entered their territory. The allegations have triggered a frenzy of denials, claims and counterclaims in the media.

The controversy has drawn media outlets, politicians and student organisations to the area, only for many to be confronted with the stark reality that the region lacks even basic necessities such as proper roads and reliable telecommunications. The demand of the people is simple: the area must be secured, and basic facilities must be made accessible to them.

These gaps leave the communities in a highly vulnerable position, particularly because the region is of immense importance to national security. If the state cannot provide its citizens living in these strategically vital areas with basic facilities, how can it expect them to contribute to securing the country? That is the immediate impression and question that arises.

The demand raised by the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee - that frontier communities and security forces deployed in strategically important areas must be accorded the highest priority - is therefore significant. It has called for stronger infrastructure and adequate logistical support for troops stationed in border areas. The communities living there, as well as the personnel guarding the frontier, must have access to essential facilities, including healthcare, schools, roads and telecommunications.

The government must step in, drastically ramp up infrastructure and ensure that both citizens and the armed forces operating in these areas are safe and adequately supported. Depriving people of basic facilities in a vulnerable border region amounts to denying both citizens and the sentinels of the state the access they need to live and operate effectively.

The Modi government and the state have repeatedly spoken of building "vibrant border villages." But when communities on the frontier continue to struggle for basic roads, communication, healthcare and education, it is worth asking whether these promises are mere words devoid of meaningful action. Such political rhetoric may work elsewhere, but on the borders, it neglecting the border means inviting real and actual danger.