Activists demand stronger border security and better connectivity
Itanagar: The Save Taksing–Save Arunachal Movement (STSAM) on Saturday staged a dharna at IG Park here, raising concerns over the reported presence and activities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China in the Taksing sector of Arunachal Pradesh and pressing the Centre for quick remedial measures.
STSAM, described in its publicity as a civil society group formed to raise issues linked to alleged Chinese intrusion in the State, submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called for a set of measures it said were essential to secure the international boundary and assist security forces operating in the area.
- Withdrawal of Chinese forces from areas STSAM claims are under occupation.
- Time‑bound demarcation of the international boundary with China.
- Improved connectivity in the remote Taksing area to aid patrolling by security forces.
- Creation of a dedicated Arunachal Regiment within the Indian Army.
At the Itanagar protest, participants alleged that the Chinese PLA had occupied five areas in the Taksing sector. The demonstrators said the dharna was intended to highlight these developments and to urge political unity on the question of border security.
“We have staged a protest against the alleged intrusion of the Chinese PLA in the Taksing sector of Arunachal Pradesh. The Chinese PLA has captured five areas, and we have organised this programme to express our concern and patriotism,”
The protesters appealed to all political parties in Arunachal Pradesh to set aside partisan differences and jointly raise the matter before the Centre. Slogans chanted during the demonstration included “Go back Chinese PLA”, “Return our land” and expressions of patriotism, the group said.
Local demands aimed at strengthening field operations
Besides territorial claims, STSAM stressed the need for improved road and communications infrastructure in the Taksing area so that Indian security forces can patrol and respond more effectively in remote border reaches. The memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, the group said, reiterated that poor connectivity limited the operational reach of security agencies.
STSAM’s call for a time‑bound demarcation of the international boundary echoes long‑standing demands from several quarters in Arunachal Pradesh for definitive clarification of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and formal resolution of disputed sectors.
| Demand | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal of alleged PLA forces | Reassert control over areas claimed as Indian territory |
| Time‑bound demarcation | Reduce ambiguity at the boundary and prevent future incursions |
| Better connectivity in Taksing | Enable regular patrols and faster movement of security personnel |
| Dedicated Arunachal Regiment | Increase local representation and focus on region‑specific defence needs |
STSAM said it would continue its campaign until the Centre responded to the memorandum. The protest added to a pattern of civil society activity in the State focused on border issues and infrastructure, reflecting concerns shared by communities in frontier districts.
The demonstration took place in Itanagar, the State capital and administrative centre, allowing organisers to press their demands in front of regional political figures and the media. The group urged elected representatives to raise the matter at the state and national levels.
No comment from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of External Affairs or local political offices was included in STSAM’s public statements released at the protest.
The issue of alleged incursions and the adequacy of connectivity in border sectors has been a recurring subject of debate in Arunachal Pradesh, with civil society groups, veterans and some political leaders calling for enhanced infrastructure and clearer diplomatic outcomes to reduce friction along the LAC.
