Tag: Arunachal Pradesh

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Gender gap persists in Arunachal as LS polls draw close

The forthcoming elections for two Lok Sabha seats and 50 assembly constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh highlight the stark gender disparity in candidate nominations….reports Asian Lite News

In Arunachal Pradesh, despite legislative efforts to enhance women’s participation in electoral politics, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. The recent passage of the Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill aimed at bolstering women’s involvement in political processes hasn’t translated into significant representation in the upcoming polls.

The forthcoming elections for two Lok Sabha seats and 50 assembly constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh highlight the stark gender disparity in candidate nominations. Among the 14 contestants vying for the Lok Sabha seats, only one woman, Toko Sheetal of the Gana Suraksha Party, stands out. Similarly, out of the 50 assembly seats, only eight women have filed nominations, with the ruling BJP and opposition Congress fielding four and three candidates respectively, while one is an independent nominee.

This dearth of female representation in politics is not a recent phenomenon; historically, only one woman has represented the state in the Rajya Sabha, and since Arunachal Pradesh’s inception as a full-fledged state in 1987, only 15 women have been elected to the assembly.

Various factors contribute to this underrepresentation of women in Arunachal Pradesh’s political arena. Cultural barriers, socio-economic constraints, and a lack of awareness are cited by women activists and political analysts as major impediments. Kenjum Pakam, Chairperson of the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women, emphasizes the importance of providing women with equal opportunities to participate in politics, stressing that their inclusion is vital for the nation’s development.

Leaders like Kani Nada Maling, President of the Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society, advocate for the election of leaders committed to women’s empowerment. They lament the prevailing scenario where women are often sidelined in decision-making processes. Maling highlights the necessity for bold and vocal women leaders in the assembly to address women’s grievances effectively.

To address this gender disparity, various measures are proposed, including awareness campaigns, training programs for aspiring female politicians, equitable access to resources, and policies supporting work-life balance for women in politics. Dr. Nani Bath, an associate professor of political science, underscores the importance of implementing laws regarding reservations for women in politics.

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US Reaffirms India’s Sovereignty in Arunachal Amid Regional Dynamics

India considers Arunachal Pradesh to be an essential part of the country and insists that using different names for the area does not change the fact that it belongs to India, writes Dr. Maheep

In a clear statement on Wednesday, the U.S. State Department confirmed that the U.S. government considers Arunachal Pradesh to be an integral part of India. They went further to express strong opposition to any one-sided actions taken to claim territory within this northeastern Indian state, which borders China. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, speaking at his daily press conference, observed that the United States recognized Arunachal Pradesh as Indian Territory strongly opposed “any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit to forward areas in Arunachal Pradesh

This has been the consistent position of USA on the question for some time now. Earlier in March 2023, the United States Senate passed a bipartisan resolution that recognizes the McMahon Line as the official border between China and Arunachal Pradesh, an Indian state. This resolution signified that the U.S. considered Arunachal Pradesh to be an inseparable part of India. Senator Bill Hagerty, who introduced the resolution, highlighted the importance of the United States supporting India, a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in light of ongoing Chinese threats.

The recent reaffirmation of India’s stance on Arunachal Pradesh by the United States follows China’s renewed claim to the region after the Indian Prime Minister’s visit. China asserts Arunachal Pradesh as part of Tibet and disputes its status as an Indian state. The United States now unequivocally opposes any Chinese attempts to assert control over the area.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during discussions at an Informal Summit, in Tamil Nadu’s Mahabalipuram. (Photo: PIB)

The Indian government had earlier firmly denied China’s criticism of Prime Minister Modi’s trip to Arunachal Pradesh. They emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh has always been and will always be an official part of India. This position has been clearly communicated to China by the Ministry of External Affairs on multiple occasions. Responding to questions from the media about China’s disapproval of Indian leaders visiting Arunachal Pradesh, Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson from India’s Ministry of External Affairs explained that Indian leaders routinely visit Arunachal Pradesh, just like they visit any other state in India. He argued that China’s objections to these visits, or to India’s development projects in the region, defied sense.

China had officially complained to India about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh. This complaint stems from Modi inaugurating the Sela tunnel, a key infrastructure project in the region. China, which still refers to Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, claimed that India’s actions in Arunachal Pradesh make resolving the border dispute between the two nations more difficult.

PM Narendra Modi being welcomed by the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Brigadier (Retd.) (Dr.) B.D. Mishra, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on February 15, 2018.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sela Tunnel on March 9th. Located at a high altitude of 13,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, the tunnel is a game-changer for connectivity. It will provide year-round access to Tawang, a strategically important town near the border. This will also significantly improve the movement of troops and supplies in the region.

China believes this action made it harder to resolve the ongoing boundary disagreement between the two countries. The official statement used terms like “strongly dissatisfied” and “firmly opposed” to describe China’s position on the visit. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin claimed India had no right to arbitrarily ‘develop’ Zangnan, which is an alien province. Zangnan is the name China has given to Arunachal Pradesh.

In the past too, China has raised objections to visits by Indian statesmen to the region. However, India considers Arunachal Pradesh to be an essential part of the country and insists that using different names for the area does not change the fact that it belongs to India.

While the Indian government responds to China’s claims on Arunachal Pradesh, some believe China is trying to provoke India and keep tensions high. China’s economy and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are facing challenges, with some countries struggling to repay loans. In contrast, India’s economy and international standing are growing. India avoids directly challenging China’s “One China” policy but also doesn’t fully accept it. India engages with Taiwan and the South China Sea, showing its independence. China’s stock market decline and high BRI debt raise concerns about its economic health. China may need to forgive some debt or accept lower repayments to keep borrowers afloat. This economic pressure, along with a more critical US and a cautious Europe, could weaken China’s position.

Rajnath Singh during his visit to forward areas in Arunachal Pradesh

In essence, the recent US endorsement of India’s stance on Arunachal Pradesh signifies international recognition of its integral status within India. This support is coupled with India’s strategic infrastructure developments such as the Sela Tunnel that highlights a growing assertiveness and sovereignty assertion in response to Chinese provocations. China’s economic challenges and global scrutiny further weaken its position while India’s expanding international stature and cautious yet independent engagement signal a shifting regional dynamic. These developments suggest a potential diminishing of China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region as India strengthens its regional standing and partnerships.

*Dr. Maheep is an analyst of International Relations and Global Politics. He has been teaching and conducting research for over a decade

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Asia News India News

Arunachal Pradesh constructs hydropower plants along China border

Chief Minister said that several small hydropower projects are already functioning and providing power to the nearby villages as well as Army units posted there….reports Asian Lite News

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday said that his government is constructing about 50 small hydropower projects in the border outposts (BOPs) along the China border under the border village illumination programme.

Addressing a function on the occasion of celebration of 2 Arunachal Scouts’ 10 years at Bomdila, he said that several small hydropower projects are already functioning and providing power to the nearby villages as well as Army units posted there.

Khandu said that as a legislator of a constituency (Jang-Mukto) that sits on the border with Tibet (China) in Tawang sector, he has always had respect and confidence in the Indian Army.

“At least once a year, I make it a point to visit the border outposts of my constituency, especially the Mago-Chuna sector. Besides meeting the people there, I always take time out to spend some quality time with the jawans posted along the border.”

He said that the presence of youths of Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states donning Arunachal Scouts insignia made him swell with pride, and lauded the army units posted in Arunachal Pradesh for their bonding with the civilian population.

He said that the people of Arunachal Pradesh, who are born patriots, have immense respect for the Indian Army and thus bond with them well in every sphere.

“Here, no civilian programme – be it a music festival, indigenous festival, health camp or any sporting event – is complete without participation of the Army. Likewise, no programme of the Army is complete without participation of the civilians,” he remarked.

About the Vibrant Village Program (VVP) of the Central government to transform all villages along the border, Khandu sought cooperation of the Indian Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in its successful implementation.

“The Indian Army and CAPFs like ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles, are posted all along the border. Their cooperation will be of utmost importance in implementing the ambitious VVP of the central government,” he said.

For the convenience of the troops posted in high terrains, Khandu assured that all efforts are being made to ensure connectivity in both road and telecommunication sectors. While roads are reaching all remote outposts, he informed, more than thousand 4G towers are being installed all along the border.

Khandu also said that the state government is pursuing with the Central government to strengthen the Arunachal Scouts with more companies besides raising an ITBP unit specifically for Arunachal Pradesh. He requested the Army and CAPF units posted in the state to provide training to local unemployed youths in preparation for recruitment drives conducted every now and then including those under the Agniveer programme.

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Jaishankar, Chinese FM discuss border tensions

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday held bilateral meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meet.

This was the first meeting between Jaishankar and Qin after the latter became the Chinese foreign minister in December, reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday held bilateral meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meet.

The meeting between the two was focused on issues related to border areas.

“Met Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on the sidelines of #G20FMM this afternoon. Our discussions were focused on addressing current challenges to the bilateral relationship, especially peace and tranquillity in the border areas,” the Minister tweeted.

It was the first meeting between Jaishankar and Qin after the latter became the Chinese foreign minister in December.

The talks came nearly eight months after Jaishankar held a meeting with the then Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Bali on the sidelines of a G20 meeting.

The meeting gained significance in view of continuing US-China tensions and the military standoff between the two sides in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control.

Following the June 2020 clash at Galwan Valley, the relations between the two countries have been the most tense in the past many years.

Earlier on Thursday, Jaishankar also met his US counterpart Antony Blinken, wherein the two held discussions on bilateral ties and pressing global issues including the Ukraine conflict.

Earlier, on February 22, the 26th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held in person in Beijing.

As per the External Affairs Ministry, the two sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas and discussed proposals for disengagement in the remaining areas in an open and constructive manner, which would help in restoration of peace and tranquillity along the LAC in Western Sector and create conditions for restoration of normalcy in bilateral relations.

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India News

BRO ramping up roads in Arunachal

Arunachal Pradesh, Oct 20 (ANI): A view of the Chinese infrastructure (blue hut) where the India- China meeting takes place, in LAC Bumla on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)

The BRO has engaged in all infrastructural development works under Project Vartak…writes Hemanta Kumar Nath

The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is engaged in major infrastructural development works along the bordering areas and the government has planned to connect all bordering villages of Arunachal Pradesh with good connectivity roads. Apart from the road connectivity, the BRO is engaging in construction works of two important tunnels in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang and West Kameng districts which will become the game changer for the Indian security forces in view of security issues towards the international border.

The BRO has engaged in all infrastructural development works under Project Vartak.

According to the officials, the constitution works of the Nechiphu Tunnel, at an altitude of 5,700 feet, is a unique 500-metre-long “D-shaped, Single Tube Double Lane Tunnel” on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang (BCT) road in West Kameng district, is nearby of completion and the construction works of the Sela Pass tunnel will also be completed in next 5-6 months.

The Nechiphu tunnel will accommodate two-way traffic and will be equipped with modern lighting and safety facilities and the tunnel has been conceived to bypass extreme foggy conditions prevailing around Nechiphu Pass which have caused hindrance to general traffic and military convoys for many decades.

The Nechiphu tunnel will be provided with a state-of-the-art electro-mechanical system including firefighting devices, an auto illumination system and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) controlled monitoring systems and it will also accommodate raised footpaths on both sides for safer pedestrian movement which will have ducts for power cables, optical fibre cables and utility lines to strengthen the civic amenities infrastructure.

Under Project Vartak the BRO is also engaged in the construction works of another strategic tunnel, the Twin Tube (1,555 meters and 980 meters) “The Sela Tunnel Project” on the same road.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Brig Raman Kumar, Chief Engineer, Vartak said that heavy vehicle movement is hampered in the current Sela Pass road during the winter season.

“Now with the construction of the Sela Pass tunnel traffic will be allowed throughout the year. The heavy vehicles whether it is security forces or private industry equipment which is moving to the area will be able to pass easily through the Sela tunnel and accessibility to Tawang will be opened up. As well as it will boost tourism. It is a very important tunnel. The BRO is very happy and proud to give this to the nation,” Brig Raman Kumar said.

He also said that apart from the roads we are having two important tunnels.

“Sela tunnel is under construction and it is about 400 meters below the Sela Pass. We have two tunnels in that alignment. Once that tunnel is completed, we will have throughout the winters also people would be able to pass through the Sela Pass and it will provide good connectivity in the Tawang district. Another tunnel we are having is at Nechiphu. Apart from it, we have bridges, helipads and so many other works which are helped in the overall development of the Tawang district,” Brig Raman Kumar said.

He further said that the Nechiphu tunnel is almost near completion and we are doing the finishing line of the road work. In the next 2-3 months, the Nechiphu tunnel will be opened for public, civilian traffic. The Sela Pass tunnel, it’s a long tunnel – one tunnel is 1590 meter long tunnel and another is almost a kilometre in length the condition in that area is very tough, but BRO is working overnight and 24-hour works are going on and our task is to open the tunnel for the public as earliest as possible.

“In the next 4-6 months we will be able to open the Sela tunnel. We are constructing several permanent bridges in Arunachal Pradesh. Many other bridges are in pipeline,” Brig Raman Kumar said.

The Chief Engineer of Project Vartak said that the BRO is developing and maintaining in all the road networks in important border areas.

“We are part of project Vartak and we are looking after in Western Assam and Western Arunachal Pradesh areas. We have important National Highway double lane roads, and other types of roads and our aim is to connect each and every village in far furlong areas of West Kameng and Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. We want to actively contribute to the socio-economic development of this area. The terrain in this area is very difficult. There are mountainous terrain and high altitude terrain. The mountains are very tough and the climate conditions are very tough. The BRO is working round the clock to provide connectivity in difficult and harsh climatic conditions. There are some remote villages and we are also providing roads to the remote villages. There is no area which is not developed part of the Western Arunachal,” Brig Raman Kumar said. (ANI)

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India, China Face-Off In Arunachal, ‘Minor Injuries’ On Both Sides

Top sources confirmed that a clash occurred between the two sides along the disputed section of the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 at Yangtse.

Chinese troops approached the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh last week, but Indian troops firmly contested their way, leading to a clash between the two, sources said on Monday.

Although no loss of life or major injuries were reported but both some Indian and Chinese troops received some minor injuries during this clash, a source said.

It is the first physical clash between the two armies since August 2020 in eastern Ladakh. There was another incident in October 2021 at Yangtse, 35 km northeast of Tawang, where the Chinese attempt to get access to the top of 17,000 feet peak was thwarted and the area is now under snow and will remain so till March.

Top sources confirmed that a clash occurred between the two sides along the disputed section of the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 at Yangtse.

Soon after the clash, troops of both India and China immediately were disengaged from the area.

Accordig to the sources, the face-off in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh was the first incident of clashes between Indian and Chinese troops since the confrontation at eastern Ladakh.

There has been face-offs in this area in the past too.

Earlier this month China had also objected to the Indo-US joint military exercise at Auli in Uttarakhand. India had, however, dismissed China’s objection, saying it did not give a veto to third countries on these issues.

Hitting back at China, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said the joint exercises with the US in Auli has nothing to do with the 1993 and 1996 agreements with China.

Over 300 Chinese soldiers involved

Meanwhile, sources said on Monday that the number of Chinese soldiers injured in the clash is more than the Indian soldiers,.

They said the Chinese had come heavily prepared with around 300 soldiers but did not expect the Indian side also to be well prepared. The sources said earlier that the face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Tawang sector led to minor injuries to few personnel from both sides and noted that both sides immediately disengaged from the area.

They said on December 9, 2022, PLA troops contacted the LAC in Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh which was contested by Indian troops in a firm and resolute manner.

They said as a follow-up of the incident, India’s Commander in the area held a Flag Meeting with his counterpart to discuss the issue in accordance with structured mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity.

The sources said that in certain areas along the LAC in the Tawang Sector in Arunachal Pradesh there are areas of differing perception, wherein both sides patrol the area upto their claim lines. This has been the trend since 2006.

Congress wants discussion on clashes

he Congress on Tuesday moved notices in both Houses of Parliament on clashes with Chinese PLA at Arunachal border.

Party MP Manish Tewari has given an adjournment notice in the Lok Sabha while Syed Naseer Hussain has given notice for a short duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha.

Tewari in the notice said, “I wish to draw the attention of the Government to the grave border situation with China emerging from the Tawang sector in Arunachal Pradesh. These clashes took place at a nullah along the LAC near a point called the Yangtze in Eastern Tawang.”

“At least 6 of our soldiers have been reportedly injured and taken to Guwahati for treatment. There are also concerns about major gaps in military deployment in certain border areas of Arunachal Pradesh. These clashes are in addition to what has been happening in Eastern Ladakh where, despite multiple rounds of talks, 16 in total till 30 November 2022, China has vehemently refused to vacate areas it reportedly occupied after the major clash on May 5, 2020. The crises in areas such as Depsang and Demchok remain unresolved. Locals that had hitherto travelled to the Charding La-Nilung Nalla Junction have been denied access by the Chinese. “

The notice says, “China has, in the meantime, built substantial military infrastructure all across the Line of Actual Control. China is unwilling to restore the status quo ante in Eastern Ladakh, a situation that puts India at a massive disadvantage. I, therefore, urge the Government to inform the House of the situation in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh and the overall border situation with China because it concerns India’s sovereignty and independence.

Top sources confirmed that a clash occurred between the two sides along the disputed section of the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 at Yangtze.

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Zeliangrong Nagas now endorse Kitovi-led NNPG

On June 5, the Naga groups from Arunachal Pradesh including a women-run organisation had backed the NNPG…reports Asian Lite News

Two days after N. Kitovi Zhimomi-led NNPG got a morale booster as Arunachal Pradesh-based Naga organisations backed it in the ongoing peace parleys process, on Tuesday the ‘Zeliangrong Naga organisations’ of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland have expressed full support and endorsed the Agreed Position of the Working Committee (WC) and the Government of India.

The ‘endorsement’ was announced after a consultative meet of the Working Committee of NNPG and the Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland), Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) Assam, Manipur Nagaland, and Zeliangrong Students’ Union (AMN) and Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur on Tuesday at Dimapur.

A joint press release issued by Zeliangrong organisations and the NNPG said Zeliangrong tribal leaders “appreciated” the NNPG for taking “on board all Naga tribes beyond Nagaland State”.

They expressed great hope that since the political negotiations with all Naga groups had concluded on October 31, 2019, the “Naga people in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland would be restored of their identity and political right through honourable and acceptable political solution”.

The Zeliangrong leaders from three states also acknowledged that the Agreed Position (signed on Nov 17, 2017) and the subsequent status paper of the WC, NNPG has given a “transparent and explicit future position of Nagas which is acceptable to all sections”.

On June 5, the Naga groups from Arunachal Pradesh including a women-run organisation had backed the NNPG.

The June 5 and June 7 developments are now being perceived in various quarters as as “jolt and setback” to the NSCN-IM at this critical juncture of Naga peace talks. There is a suggestion that some over-ground Naga politicians too could be upset as they probably preferred the status quo and no final solution.

The NSCN-IM has been alleged for adopting ‘delay’ tactics in pursuing negotiations with the Government of India – the charge is however, denied by the militant group that is led by mercurial leader Thuingaleng Muivah.

After June 5 meeting wherein Arunachal Pradesh bodies had backed NNPG and endorsed the parleys between the centre and the NNPG, a source had pointed fingers towards the NDPP-led government in Nagaland and said, “All efforts of the ruling coalition to prolong the Agreement to get over with elections have now come a cropper and futile”.

Within Nagaland state, the much respected Nagaland Gaon Burrah Federation, 14 Tribal Bodies, Central Nagaland Tribal Council (of Aos, Semas and Lothas) and Nagaland Tribal Council had also urged the Government of India to sign the agreement on “whatsoever concluded as on October 31, 2019.

These developments come as a relief to those who favour early Solution and lasting peace though the NSCN-IM had raised continuous ‘objections’ to a final agreement on the ground stating that for them the Flag and a separate Constitution were must.

The government of India has categorically rejected the demand. In fact Union Home Minister Amit Shah has personally urged Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, other state ministers and legislators and seasoned veteran politician S.C. Jamir to explain to the Naga people that it would be impossible for the centre to negotiate on the issues of Flag and Constitution.

Meanwhile another revelation has left many Nagas shell-shocked.

The bone of contention in the 25 years old Naga peace talks could be elsewhere – not the formal subjects of Flag and a separate Naga Constitution.

Sources said the NSCN-IM has proposed formation of a ‘Pan Naga Hoho’ – a permanent body like Rajya Sabha – but insists that the ‘chairman’ of the Pan Naga Hoho would be the most powerful authority and who shall also become the executive head as well the Supreme Commander of Nagalim.

The government of India predictably is unable to make a forward movement on this as it is difficult to stomach that in the garb of ‘Naga Constitution’ what is being proposed is that the proposed post of ‘Chairman’ of the Pan Naga Hoho would be as powerful as Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping in their respective countries.

In effect, that would the chairman of Pan Naga Hoho would be also more powerful than perhaps even the President of India with the authority to mercy the convicted ones.

The proponents of the Pan Naga Hoho also say – they also want to empower the Chairman with the ‘power’ to nominate members in the Pan Naga Hoho and this process will undermine the powers of elected Naga leaders.

It further states that all ‘executive, political, budgetary and negotiating authority shall be vested in the chairman’.

“How can something like this be accepted…?,” a source told IANS.

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of books, ‘The Talking Guns: North East India’ and ‘Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth’. Views are personal)

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