Kamaljit Sandhu
Daily Mail
September 30, 2014
Though tensions between the Indian and Chinese army have de-escalated, India’s eastern-most border state – Arunachal Pradesh – remains wary of the dragon’s designs.
China has always claimed the majority area of Arunachal Pradesh to be south Tibet, and hence part of its territory.
With reports of a Chinese army build-up in Tibet, Arunachal could well be another flash point.
Arunachal Pradesh has gone into a readiness to check any incursion from across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Recent intelligence reports indicate Chinese army build-up in Tibet. Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, also a resident of the state, shares the concern.
He said: “Arunachal has been a great concern for all of us because of our security apparatus. In the past, we didn’t have much security.
“We need to change that. We need to enhance our position and infrastructure. But we have a strong government. Our men are alert.”
As the minister’s convoy crosses the streets in Ziro, a small town, the streets are filled with children holding the tricolour.
Citizens are aware of the persistent threat of China but have full faith in the Indian Army and the ITBP jawans guarding the border.
Taku Chakuing, a resident, says: “We are all Indians in Arunachal; there is call of jai hind all around. We are proud to be Indians but when transgression happens here, we feel scared and worried at times.” Another resident, Meena, says she feels safe.
“At least things are not as bad as that in Ladakh. Peace is fragile and history is bound to repeat.”
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, in a reply to a parliamentary question in the recently-concluded session, China has indulged in 1,600 transgressions in the past five years. The people of the state are hoping that 2013 scenario will not be repeated again.
China started trouble in Ladakh and then turned their attention to Chaglagam in Arunachal Pradesh and till now an uneasy calm prevails here.
