Guwahati: A People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) panel has raised questions over India’s ability to maintain regular access to patrolling points around Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district, alleging that PLA personnel have occupied areas traditionally used by Indian communities for grazing and hunting along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The four-member fact-finding committee visited Taksing on July 10 under the leadership of former minister and PPA chief adviser Kahfa Bengia. PPA vice president Kaling Jerang and secretaries Sorang Kiokam and Narah Jimmy were also part of the delegation.
The members gathered information from local leaders, elders and intellectuals in Taksing, Maza and Galemo. They also spoke to senior defence personnel and jawans deployed in the area.
The committee’s report refers to Shera 5 Point as one of the main areas of concern. Local people told the team that Indian and Chinese troops came into physical contact at the location in 2023.
Indian troops left the point after the incident and have not resumed patrols there, the committee said. It added that PLA personnel subsequently removed the Indian markers at the site and stopped Indian forces from reaching the location.
The committee said the situation at Shera 5 Point demonstrates how small advances can eventually become established on the ground.
Nanga Pahar was another area mentioned by the team. The Nah and Mara communities have traditionally used the area for hunting and yak rearing, but local residents are now barred from entering it, according to the report.
The committee said the restriction on local access could allow PLA personnel to move further into the area. It described the alleged Chinese activity as a gradual and continuing process that follows a pattern seen over a number of years.
The report also pointed to the seasonal nature of Indian Army patrols. According to the committee, regular patrol activity generally takes place from April to October, with severe winter conditions and snowfall preventing similar operations during the rest of the year.
The PLA, by contrast, is reported to maintain activity in the area throughout the year.
Winter arrangements for porters were also raised as a concern. The committee said porters who transport supplies for Indian troops are not engaged during the winter, which it viewed as evidence of a reduced Indian presence in the forward areas.
To improve access and strengthen the area, the committee called for the BRO’s Nacho-Taksing road project to be pushed ahead on a war footing.
It also recommended giving priority to the proposed 68-km road between Galemo and Pokorla.
The team sought faster completion of the Taksing-Pokorla route through Yaja and Huri within a fixed deadline. It further proposed a helipad at Sipi 2, or Rest Point, and permanent Army camps at Sipi 4 and Sipi 6.
Better basic infrastructure at forward positions was also included among the recommendations. The committee called for dependable electricity to replace diesel generators and for working telephone and network connections at places such as Maza and Galemo.
Poor power and communication facilities were identified as significant concerns by both local residents and jawans, the committee said.