MP Supongmeren raises concern over Arunachal border reports

Morung Express NewsWokha | October 27Nagaland Lok Sabha MP Supongmeren Jamir expressed serious concern over reports of Chinese troops allegedly entering parts of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in light of claims that an Army jawan had gone missing and his whereabouts remained unknown.Jamir said the reported disappearance of the jawan was a serious matter if it had been raised by the concerned Army commander. He said the issue warranted attention, especially as the Government of India has maintained that China has not encroached upon Indian territory.He said the reported account from the Army commander had brought the issue into focus and questioned the Centre’s response to the situation. Jamir said the matter would be taken up in Parliament during the forthcoming session.On the wider implications for the Northeast, Jamir said any deterioration of the situation in Arunachal Pradesh could have consequences for the entire region. He said Arunachal Pradesh is one of the northeastern states and that developments affecting the state could create security concerns for other states in the region as well. He said they would take up the issue and work to safeguard the interests of the Northeast.On measures to strengthen security in the northeastern border areas, Jamir said the Centre should consider giving greater priority to village guards, who, he said, are familiar with the local terrain and can play an important role in monitoring and securing border areas.He said the government should consider deploying village guards alongside the existing security forces, including the paramilitary forces and the Border Security Force, to guard border areas.Jamir said the matter had been raised with the Government of India and expressed hope that the Centre would consider giving greater importance to village guards, particularly in the border areas of the Northeast.