ITANAGAR, Aug 20: Former Home Minister and working president of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Tanga Byaling, has rejected Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remarks on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s concerns over alleged Chinese intrusion and strategic activities along the Arunachal frontier, calling for facts, transparency and independent verification on matters concerning national security.
Byaling said national security should not be reduced to a political exchange between the BJP and the Congress, asserting that people of Arunachal Pradesh “need facts, transparency and security” rather than political rhetoric.
“If the Government says our frontier is safe, let it place the verified facts before the people,” he said.
On the boundary issue, Byaling said if the Government maintains that the Arunachal-China boundary remains undemarcated, it should clearly explain its position on the McMahon Line, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and areas claimed by both sides.
Seeks verification of Taksing allegations
Referring to allegations raised by the Nah Welfare Society regarding Chinese PLA activities and infrastructure in the Taksing sector, Byaling noted that the Indian Army had subsequently rejected reports of recent Chinese encroachment as incorrect and without basis.
He said the apparent contradiction made credible and independent verification necessary. “If the allegations are false, establish that transparently. If there is any genuine concern, tell the people what corrective action is being taken,” Byaling said.
He sought clarification on the Government’s verified assessment of the Taksing sector, reports of the district administration and security agencies, any changes in patrolling or traditional access, and measures being taken to protect frontier communities.
He also called upon State Minister Nyato Dukam, as the representative of the area, to place the verified ground situation before the people.
Questions Frontier Highway alignment
Byaling also sought transparency on the original and revised alignments of the Arunachal Frontier Highway, particularly in strategically sensitive areas.
“We are not asking people to accept an allegation as fact. We are asking the Government to establish the facts through technical, security and financial scrutiny,” he said.
He sought disclosure, wherever permitted by national security considerations, of relevant alignment maps, technical reports and reasons for major deviations. He also questioned why the original alignment was changed, the technical and strategic justification for the revision, the authorities that approved the changes, the assessment of the Army and security agencies, and whether the revised alignment had affected connectivity, surveillance or access to sensitive frontier areas.
He further demanded an independent, time-bound inquiry into any credible allegations relating to land acquisition, contracts, compensation, tendering, expenditure or other irregularities associated with the project.
“A strategic highway cannot become a highway for corruption. Every kilometre constructed and every rupee spent must serve the national interest,” he said.
Byaling clarified that the Congress was not presenting as an established fact any claim that the realignment had created a “buffer zone”. Instead, he called for a comprehensive technical and strategic audit to determine whether any sensitive frontier area had been left inadequately connected or monitored.
Congress seeks greater transparency
Among other demands, Byaling called for independent verification of allegations raised by frontier communities, a comprehensive security audit of sensitive frontier areas, transparency on the Frontier Highway alignment and major changes wherever security considerations permit, and independent inquiry into credible allegations of irregularities.
He also sought strengthening of border roads, communications, surveillance and essential services, regular consultation with frontier communities and elected representatives, and a mechanism for border residents to report security concerns directly to authorities.
“Questioning the Government on national security is the constitutional responsibility of the Opposition. Instead of attacking Rahul Gandhi, Rijiju should answer the substantive questions: What was alleged, what has been verified, what is the Government’s assessment, and what action has been taken?” Byaling said.
He reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inseparable part of India and that its territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
“Arunachal Pradesh is not a political battleground between BJP and Congress. It is India’s frontier. We do not want rhetoric; we want facts. We do not want propaganda; we want transparency. We do not want blame games; we want accountability,” he said.