Itanagar, Jul 1: The Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) has expressed concern over the security situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in the frontier districts of Upper Subansiri, Tawang and Anjaw.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, HRA chairman Kipa Kaha and secretary general Jesy Debia said the organisation was concerned over what it described as inadequate public acknowledgement of reported activities of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the continued development of infrastructure by China along the border.
The organisation stated that the concerns and experiences of residents living in frontier areas deserve greater attention from both the Government of India and elected representatives.
Referring to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Arunachal West MP Kiren Rijiju, HRA said he is expected to raise and address issues concerning people residing in border districts. The organisation expressed disappointment over some of his public statements on the border situation, claiming they did not reflect what many residents in frontier areas perceive as the ground reality.
HRA urged the Central Government, particularly the Ministry of Defence, to review the situation in the affected border districts and depute a high-level team to assess the concerns of local communities.
The organisation also called for enhanced security measures, greater transparency and sustained engagement with residents living along the international border.
Stating that the issue transcends politics, HRA said the matter concerns India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security. It maintained that concerns raised by residents from Tawang to Anjaw and from Upper Subansiri to Dibang Valley district should be addressed with utmost seriousness and followed up with concrete action.
HRA further stated that if the concerns of border communities continue to remain unaddressed, Rijiju should consider taking moral responsibility for the situation.
Reaffirming its support for the nation, the organisation said the people of Arunachal Pradesh have always stood firmly in safeguarding India’s borders and deserve recognition, protection and responsive governance.
The Indian Army had, however, categorically denied media reports alleging recent encroachment by the Chinese PLA and the establishment of camps inside Arunachal Pradesh.
In a brief statement, the Army said it had taken note of reports circulating in sections of the media regarding alleged Chinese incursions and the setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh, describing the claims as “incorrect and without any basis.”