HOW SHOULD INDIA COUNTER CHINA’s ATTEMPT TO RENAME VILLAGES AND SECTORS IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH?
China remains a threat because of India’s rising power in every sector and its increasing global presence as well as influence. And after 2017, 2021, and now in 2023, China attempted to rename 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh, and India has always rejected it, as Arunachal is an integral and inseparable part of our country. Three attempts by China show its expansionist policies and ability to create problems in the Northeastern region.
India is countering it by refusing and rejecting the claims made, and on the global level the US has already countered China’s territorial claims on Arunachal Pradesh.
But, International Bodies are silent watchers in times of conflict. They are spectators cheering and shouting and earning their dividend in the form of money from the sale of arms and ammunition as seen in the Ukraine conflict.
WHAT SHOULD INDIA DO?
India needs to reduce its dependency on electrical, and electronic equipment like semiconductors, line telegraphy, transmission apparatus, machinery, pharmaceuticals, etc vis-a-vis China and try to reduce the trade deficit and increase its spending on manufacturing and innovation. This process does take time, money, well-nurtured policies, and the right implementation from Govt. But in the long run, it will be a hard hit on the Chinese wallet.
Boosting infrastructure projects in the Northeastern region can also provide faster mobility to people and troops, connect other states easily and also provide a rapid transition for the Indian Armed Forces. Donyo Polo Airport at Hollongi inaugurated in 2022 is one such step to increase connectivity in this region. Arunachal Frontier Highway project is a unique project connecting 2000km by roads.
China has developed both civilian and military infrastructure along the LAC. To counter this, India will have to play the main role by stopping or reducing the out-migration or emigration from villages, providing the villages with better facilities, climate-resilient infrastructure, and markets, because these border villages will provide a natural defence against China.
The introduction of programmes like Vibrant Village Programmes and developing border village areas to create better space for the locals, to provide them livelihood, and promotion of local products, promotion of culture to make it nationally integrated, will boost not just tourism and the economy but also help create security apparatus in these areas.
The Government of India has allocated 4800 Crore from FY 2022-23 to 2025-26. India needs to increase this spending in comparison to China, which is increasing its presence in border areas.
The Govt has also started documenting the “unsung heroes” of Arunachal Pradesh, who had fought in the Freedom Movement but have remained unknown outside the state. The main aim is to counter China’s claims that Arunachal Pradesh is part of its South Tibet region.
Renaming the villages and sectors will not alter the fact that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. Indian Armed forces are capable to handle any situation at the borders.
I think these all attempts are good but what matters the most is the people of Arunachal Pradesh. What do they think? Local people support the army in their operations and recently, several protests against China were also seen among the locals. For any area, the soul is their people, and the hearts of the Arunachal people beat for India. China can rename villages and sectors, but can’t take away this patriotism from the local people. In several wars, we have seen how local villagers helped the Indian Army with logistics and supplies to counter the enemy and provide insights for intelligence in order for the authorities to proactively take decisions. We need to strengthen this trust.
By
GAURAV RASGOTRA
Edited by YOGITA KADU
