The Nah tribal community in Arunachal Pradesh has expressed grave concern over alleged Chinese incursions along the international border in Upper Subansiri district, claiming that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has occupied major portions of their grazing, hunting, and agricultural lands over the past six years.
In a memorandum recently submitted to the Upper Subansiri deputy commissioner, Nah Welfare Society (NWS) President Keru Chader said, “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.”
According to the Times of India, the NWS alleged that the Chinese government has been rapidly extending its control over territories along the international border by strategically occupying important locations.
According to the tribal organisation, five specific locations within the Taksing revenue circle – which had been under traditional tribal control until 2020 – have been occupied by the PLA.
These locations include Oying in the Asaphila area, Paniar (Chujarta area), Marpan (Marnafe), Potrang (Lake), and Tindingtang (TG).
The NWS noted that these sites are close to the Taksing headquarters, and some are considered pilgrimage sites.
The memorandum further alleged the construction of military camps and roads by the Chinese army within Indian territory.
Chader expressed that while the community maintains faith in the Indian Army, their efforts are currently “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,” Chader said.
The NWS claimed that the Chinese have significantly increased activities in the Taksing border area over the last 10 to 15 years with an intention to occupy as much land as possible.
The MLA for Nacho said the matter requires official verification as it relates to national security. “The allegations need to be officially confirmed by the administration,” Nalo said, adding that there are “obvious concerns” regarding the issue.
Despite the allegations, neither the district administration nor the state government has issued an official response. Senior district officials, including Deputy Commissioner Gambo Tasso, remained unavailable for comment.
