[ Bengia Ajum ]

TAKSING, 30 Aug: Apart from Chinese intrusion, the people of Taksing and Limeking circles of Upper Subansiri district face trouble managing their day-to-day lives due to poor road and mobile connectivity.

Located more than 200 km away from district headquarters Daporijo, the people of these two strategically important circles are struggling for basic amenities.

While media attention is focused on the Chinese intrusion in Taksing and Limeking circles, locals have appealed for similar attention to the poor road and internet connectivity in the area.

"There are a few mobile towers in the area, but they do not work most of the time. They are present only for namesake. If we send a message on WhatsApp, it takes three days to deliver. Sometimes, we have to wait the whole day to send one message," said Tania Chader, a local of Taksing circle.

He expressed disappointment over the government's decision not to connect Taksing and Limeking circles through the Frontier Highway project.

"Initially, we were told that the Frontier Highway would be constructed 20 km from the LAC, but when it was approved, the plan changed. Now it is being constructed 130 km away from Taksing. So, what purpose does it serve? Sometimes, I feel the Indian government does not think of Taksing as part of India," added Chader.

If the Frontier Highway is constructed connecting Taksing and Limeking, it would directly send a message to the international community that the area belongs to India, he added.

Prakash Hari, a local panchayat leader, alleged that despite locals repeatedly raising concerns over poor road and mobile connectivity, the government has not acted decisively.

"The Daporijo to Taksing road, particularly the stretch between Nacho and Taksing, is very narrow and in terrible condition. We have repeatedly raised this issue, but there has been no initiative from the government. The Army also faces trouble moving due to the bad road. Even two vehicles cannot cross each other," said Hari.

He expressed sadness over the lack of proper internet connectivity in the area.

"We cannot even make a phone call. We have no idea what is going on social media or in the outside world due to the lack of internet facilities. In this 21st century, we are living in a dark world. Not only local people, but even Army officials posted in the area face the same problem. They cannot even speak to their loved ones over the phone," added Hari.

Tai Mra, gaon bura of Galemo village, located a few kilometres from the McMahon Line in Limeking circle, urged the government to take up the construction of a two-lane highway from Daporijo to Taksing on an urgent basis.

"Due to the bad road, the Army cannot bring equipment quickly. The locals also face a lot of trouble. A two-lane highway should be constructed. Also, because of the poor mobile network, everyone suffers," said GB Mra.

He appealed also for proper healthcare facilities and educational institutions.

"Most people of Taksing and Limeking are forced to send their children to schools in Daporijo and Itanagar due to the lack of proper schools. We literally depend on Army doctors for emergency health issues," he added, while appealing for better school and healthcare facilities.

The lack of internet facilities is also affecting the younger generation.

"Due to poor internet connectivity, we have no idea about what is going on in the outside world. We cannot even apply for jobs and have to go to Daporijo to apply for government jobs. Today, everything is done online. We feel neglected by the government," said Tali Chader, a young villager.