Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu attributed the predicament along the Indo-Tibetan border on Jawaharlal Nehru’s lack of foresight on Thursday.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that after the Simla Agreement, the entire Arunachal Pradesh including Tawang was made the territory of India, adding, “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had played a decisive role in this. But due to the failure of the then Prime Minister to take any timely decision, the situation continued to worsen.”
He claimed that the current administration is striving to undo the historical manipulation.
“Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is recognizing its unsung heroes and they are being given a place in the curriculum,” said CM Pema Khandu.
CM Khandu added that before 2014, the Home Minister would occasionally travel to the northeastern states, but just to Guwahati.
“Today, every 15 days, one or the other Union Minister not only reviews the work being done under his department by going to one or the other state of the Northeast but also makes sure that the work is done properly.”
He said that the North East’s reputation for separatism, corruption, and drug abuse has completely transformed, and that the region’s investment climate is now rapidly improving.
Describing conversion as a big challenge, he said, “The Department of Indigenous Affairs was started by his government in 2017, after which steps are being taken to deal with this problem at many levels and its good results are also coming out.”
Rajnath Singh, the defence minister of India, briefed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that PLA troops from China had attempted to cross the Line of Actual Control and unilaterally alter the situation in the Yangtse region in the Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh.
According to Rajnath Singh, Indian military commanders’ prompt involvement allowed Chinese forces to return to their original positions. “Our forces are committed to safeguarding our territorial integrity and would continue to resist any attempt made on it,” Rajnath Singh said in a statement to the Rajya Sabha.
Explaining the incident, Rajnath Singh said, “On December 9, 2022, PLA troops tried to transgress the LAC in the Yangtse area of Tawang Sector and unilaterally change the status quo. The Chinese attempt was contested by our troops in a firm and resolute manner.”
He further said, “The ensuing face-off led to a physical scuffle in which the Indian Army bravely prevented the PLA from transgressing into our territory and compelled them to return to their posts,” said Singh.
He further said, “the scuffle led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides.”
Rajnath Singh clarified that “there are no fatalities or serious casualties on our side”.
“Due to timely intervention of Indian military commanders, PLA soldiers went back to their locations,” the minister added.
He informed the House that the local commander in the area held a “flag meeting with his counterpart on December 11 to discuss the issue in accordance with established mechanisms”.
He stated, “The Chinese side was asked to refrain from such actions and maintain peace and tranquillity along the border. The issue has also been taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured the Rajya Sabha that “our forces are committed to protecting our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt made on it”. He further said, “I am confident that this entire House will stand united in supporting our soldiers in their brave effort.”