ITANAGAR, Sep 12: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik on Saturday expressed displeasure over certain interpretations in the print media of his remarks concerning the situation in the Taksing area of Upper Subansiri district.
Lok Bhavan, in a clarification, said some narratives had incorrectly projected that the Governor had acknowledged an intrusion into Indian territory, stressing that this was not the position conveyed by him.
The Governor discussed the issues raised by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) and representatives of the Tagin community during a meeting that lasted over two hours. He assured the organisations of the safety and security of the frontier population and highlighted the measures being undertaken by Army troops deployed in the sector.
The clarification said the press statement issued after the meeting referred only to the memorandum submitted by the organisations and did not endorse any claim of a fresh intrusion.
The Governor categorically stated that there was no new intrusion in the Taksing area. His observations, it said, were made in the context of public concerns and reports that had surfaced from time to time regarding the border region.
Lok Bhavan termed as a “malicious misinterpretation” any suggestion that it had endorsed claims of a fresh intrusion or that the Governor would pursue such a claim with the Defence and Home Ministries or the Prime Minister.
It further stated that the Governor’s position was consistent with statements made by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the Indian Army, all of whom have rejected reports of any fresh intrusion into Arunachal Pradesh.
The clarification also referred to Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s rejection of reports of a fresh Chinese incursion in the Taksing sector. Khandu had stated that the Indian Army was deployed in the area and effectively safeguarding the nation’s borders, adding that any claims would be independently verified with local stakeholders and the Army.
The Governor, Lok Bhavan said, had full confidence in the vigilance, professionalism and operational preparedness of the Indian Armed Forces, which remained committed to safeguarding every inch of the nation’s territory.
The statement added that the Government of India had consistently demonstrated its resolve to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity while maintaining robust mechanisms to address border-related issues.