ITANAGAR, Aug 22: Arunachal Pradesh East MP Tapir Gao has recalled the concerns he raised in Parliament in 2019 over alleged Chinese PLA intrusions along the Arunachal frontier, saying the warnings were not taken seriously at the time.
Gao said that when he raised the issue in Parliament, some people dismissed the concerns and even argued that speaking about such developments could discourage the Indian Army. He, however, maintained that his intention was to caution the nation about developments along the sensitive international border.
According to Gao, concerns over Chinese presence or intrusion had been reported in several frontier areas of Arunachal Pradesh, including Chamdrung Chu Valley in Tawang district; Longju, Bisa, Original Maza and Asapila in Upper Subansiri; Andrela Valley and Andrela Pass in Dibang Valley; and Glaitakru Pass and Hadigra Pass in the Chaglagam area of Anjaw district.
Gao said he was now encouraged that people were taking border-related issues more seriously and becoming increasingly proactive in protecting the state’s frontier territories.
Referring to the recent developments reported from Serra 4 and Serra 5 in Upper Subansiri, the MP said such situations underline the importance of taking early warnings and border concerns seriously.
“Border security demands vigilance and awareness,” Gao said, stressing that residents of frontier villages should be permitted to visit and access their lands and properties in border areas.
He further called for greater cooperation between border residents, paramilitary forces and the Indian Army to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country.
Gao’s remarks once again bring the focus onto the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh’s frontier areas and the need for sustained surveillance, stronger border infrastructure and greater participation of local communities in safeguarding India’s eastern frontier.
