Arunachal Pradesh Governor KT Parnaik recently participated in a key discussion on “Security Challenges in the North East,” with a special focus on Arunachal Pradesh. During this event, security experts, leaders, and media professionals shared insights on the unique security implications faced by the region. A significant portion of the discussion centered around border tensions with China, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of “South Tibet.”
Governor Parnaik addressed the ongoing actions to enhance security along the Myanmar border and emphasized the need to strengthen the northern borders with China. He stressed the importance of leveraging technology and fostering cooperation between the local population and security forces stationed near the LAC. Given the recent increase in military standoffs, including a skirmish in December 2022 where Chinese troops entered Arunachal territory, border security remains a critical concern.
The Governor also discussed China‘s aggressive posturing and the broader strategic implications, including potential fallout from neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh, which could impact the entire North East region. Security expert Jaideep Saikia proposed the establishment of a “Security Council for the North East” to ensure coordination between states in dealing with these challenges. This idea gains traction given the increasing Chinese activism and the strategic significance of Arunachal Pradesh.
With India’s recent infrastructure build-up along the border, including road construction projects like the 1,430 miles of strategic roads in Arunachal, the discussion highlighted the importance of preparedness in the face of a growing Chinese threat. Both sides have bolstered their military presence, and experts have called for more robust and reciprocal responses from India to counteract these advancements.
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The event serves as a crucial reminder of the geopolitical tensions in the region and India’s need to balance strategic defense and diplomatic engagement to secure its northeastern borders​.