Tribal Group in India's Arunachal Pradesh Alleges Chinese Military Encroachment Along Border

A tribal community in India's northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh has raised serious concerns over alleged encroachment by the Chinese military along the disputed border, claiming that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has taken control of significant portions of its traditional grazing lands, hunting grounds, and agricultural areas over the past six years.

The allegations were reported by Indian media outlets, including The Times of India and Anandabazar Patrika. The claims were outlined in a memorandum recently submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Upper Subansiri district by Keru Chader, president of the Nah Welfare Society (NWS).

According to the memorandum, areas that members of the Nah community had long used for grazing livestock, collecting forest produce, and hunting have gradually come under Chinese control.

"Just a few years ago, we could freely access the lands of our ancestors. Today, many of our traditional hunting and grazing grounds are occupied by Chinese troops. We are slowly losing our homeland," Chader was quoted as saying.

The organization alleged that China has established control over at least five strategically important locations within the Taksing Revenue Circle of Upper Subansiri district. It further claimed that Beijing has been steadily expanding its presence along the international border in a systematic manner.

According to the Nah Welfare Society, areas that remained under the community's traditional control until 2020 have since been occupied by Chinese forces. The group also alleged that Chinese activities along the Taksing frontier have intensified significantly over the past 10 to 15 years.

The memorandum identified several affected locations, including Oing in the Asaphila region, Paniyar in Chujarta, Marpan in Marnafe, Potrang Lake, and Tindingtang. Community members say these areas lie close to Taksing township, with some holding deep religious and cultural significance as sacred sites.

The memorandum also accused Chinese forces of entering territory claimed by India to construct roads and establish permanent military camps.

Despite the allegations, the Nah Welfare Society expressed confidence in the Indian armed forces.

"We have full faith in our Army, which has protected our borders for decades. However, the pace and scale of the PLA's activities have become so alarming that the current level of response appears insufficient," Chader said.

Local political representatives have described the issue as a matter of national security. Nacho MLA Nakap Nalo called for an immediate official investigation to verify the allegations.

"As this concerns national security, the administration should promptly conduct an official inquiry to establish the facts," Nalo said.

As of now, neither Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Gambo Taso nor senior officials of the Arunachal Pradesh government have issued an official response to the allegations.

China and India share a long-disputed border, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where both countries have repeatedly accused each other of incursions. The latest allegations have not been independently verified, and no official confirmation has been issued by the Indian or Chinese governments regarding the specific claims made in the memorandum.