The clarification came after reports citing a memorandum submitted by NWS alleged that the PLA had gradually expanded its presence in border areas of Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Indian Army on Monday dismissed media reports alleging that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had encroached into Arunachal Pradesh and established camps inside Indian territory, calling the claims “incorrect and without any basis.”
“We have seen some media reports alleging recent encroachment by the Chinese PLA and the setting up of camps in Arunachal Pradesh. These reports are incorrect and without any basis,” the Indian Army said in a statement.
The clarification came after several media outlets reported that a memorandum had been submitted by the Nah Welfare Society (NWS) to the Deputy Commissioner of Upper Subansiri district, alleging that the PLA had gradually expanded its presence in the border areas of Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh.
Nah Welfare Society Raise Issue Of Chinese Occupation
According to the memorandum, the NWS claimed that China had occupied large stretches of traditional grazing, hunting and agricultural land belonging to the Nah tribal community over the past six years.
NWS president Keru Chader alleged that areas once freely accessed by local residents had come under the control of the Chinese military, The Times Of India reported.
“Our ancestral lands, which were our hunting areas where we freely roamed and collected forest products few years back and our cattle grazing areas are now under the occupation of the Chinese PLA,” Chader said in the memorandum submitted to the Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner.
The organisation further alleged that China had steadily expanded its footprint by constructing roads, bridges and military camps in the border region.
Chinese Incursion In Five Areas In Last 10 To 15 Years: NWS
According to the memorandum, Chinese activities had intensified over the past 10 to 15 years with the objective of occupying additional territory along the international border.
The NWS also claimed that several areas traditionally under the community’s control until 2020 had since come under Chinese occupation. These included Oying (Asaphila area), Paniar (Chujarta area), Marpan (Marnafe), Potrang Lake and Tindingtang (TG), some of which are located close to Taksing headquarters and are considered important religious and pilgrimage sites.
PLA Built Roads, Military Camps: NWS
The welfare society further alleged that the PLA had built roads and military camps inside Indian territory.
While expressing confidence in the Indian Army, Chader said the community remained concerned about what it described as the pace of Chinese activities in the Taksing sector.
“We do not doubt our Army and always have faith in them. They have been guarding our land for many years, but their efforts are not enough. The intention and speed of the present activities of the Chinese PLA at Taksing area is very alarming and a matter of grave concern for us. We are losing our land inch by inch day by day to them,” the memorandum stated.