The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has submitted a comprehensive field report on security challenges and infrastructure gaps along the India-China border to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), while also raising concerns over growing opposition to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
APCC president Bosiram Siram submitted the report to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge during a meeting in New Delhi on Monday. The discussion focused on the security situation in the border areas, particularly Taksing, and the growing unrest surrounding the proposed mega project in Arunachal Pradesh.
Drawing on the findings of a recent APCC delegation visit to the border region, Siram briefed Kharge on the infrastructure deficiencies and security-related challenges faced by people living in vulnerable frontier areas. He also informed the AICC president about a memorandum submitted to the Vice-President of India, seeking urgent intervention to improve development and security infrastructure in the state’s border regions.
Highlighting the need to strengthen India’s presence along the international border, the APCC placed several demands before the Centre. These included the creation of a separate Arunachal Regiment within the Indian Army, taking into account the local population’s knowledge of the difficult terrain and geographical conditions of the region.
The party also called for the speedy construction of roads connecting Taksing and other vulnerable border outposts to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of security personnel and essential supplies.
It further sought enhanced logistical and operational support for security forces deployed along the India-China border to help them respond more effectively to challenges in the frontier areas.
Another major demand raised by the APCC was the formation of an all-party parliamentary delegation to visit Taksing and independently assess the ground situation. The party said such a visit would help provide a clearer understanding of the difficulties faced by residents and the requirements of security forces in the border region.
During the meeting, Siram also apprised Kharge of the opposition among local communities to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. He said the Arunachal Pradesh government’s push to implement the mega dam had triggered protests among people living in areas likely to be affected by the project.
The APCC president highlighted the growing concerns of local communities over the proposed project and the situation arising from the continuing protests.
The meeting covered both border security and the SUMP issue, bringing attention to the demands for improved infrastructure in remote frontier areas and the concerns of communities affected by the proposed hydropower project.
