"We are Indians": Protests spread in Arunachal Pradesh over Chinese Village

Protests in Arunachal Pradesh

Several areas of Arunachal Pradesh witnessed outrage and angst walking on the street over the construction of China's village. The protests spread among people of the upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh following the revelation of the whole new emergence of a Chinese village in the territory of that part of state. Locals and agitated protesters highlighted their disapproval by carrying placards and burning effigies of Chinese President Xi Jiping and raised anti China and pro India slogans and sayings. The protests spreading like wildfire are in response to illegal expansion of China beyond its territory.

On Monday, it was discovered that China had constructed a new village in Arunachal Pradesh which is 4.5 km inside the de facto border on Indian front. This unlawful and unprecedented expansion is clearly beimg seen as China's attempt to extend its boundary to invade India. The village encompasses 101 houses and livelihoods. Although being part of Indian Authority, the area has been under China's control since 1959 according to official maps of Indian government. A full fledged and developed village exists in that area where earlier only military troops were present.

The village is exposed on banks of river Tsari Chu which flows in upper Subansiri district, an area which has witnessed a prolonged dispute and series of armed conflicts between India and China. Local state leaders declared that there has been an increase in unusual and inexplicable activities from China's side on other sides of the border as well. China is making efforts to capture much of Arunachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this context and urged him to make border development a top priority.

The protests yesterday were joined by locals of the district organised at Daporijo town by various youth and other organisations like All Tagin Youth Organization, the All Giba Circle Vigilance Forum, and New Market Welfare Association. In order to express their anger and agitation they marched and recited powerful slogans like, "We are Indians", " China Go back" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai". Banners and placards were furled and effigy of Chinese President Xi Jinping was burnt at end. President of All Tagin Youth Organisation Damkesh Maying extended his gratitude to NDTV who exposed the reality and sought PM to address their demands. "He has to stop China from taking our land inch by inch", he said.

Pasighat MLA Ninong Ering similarly said that he had written to the PM to capture his attention on China's abrupt construction of roads in Anini Sector beyond our last ITBP post at Dembem. "Centre's negligence can prove to be fatal for the state's and country's future," he said.