Tanga Byaling Criticizes Rijiju and Nalo Over China Encroachment Claims

Itanagar, India Aug 22, 2026 ALN: Tanga Byaling, the working president of the Congress Committee and a former home minister, has strongly rebutted claims made by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Nacho MLA Nakap Nalo regarding Chinese encroachment in Upper Subansiri and Kamle districts. Byaling, who experienced the 1962 Indo-China War at the age of 18, expressed his concerns in an exclusive interview.

“When I witnessed the 1962 Indo-China War, neither Rijiju nor Nalo was born,” Byaling stated, emphasizing the historical context of the conflict. The Sino-Indian War, which occurred from October 20 to November 21, 1962, was fought over disputed territories in Aksai Chin and the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), resulting in a Chinese victory and a unilateral ceasefire. This war not only marked a significant military confrontation but also shaped the geopolitical landscape of the region, affecting India-China relations for decades.

Byaling recounted his experiences post-war, recalling his visit to Tama Chung Chung where he saw the body of Havildar Shere Thapa of the 2 J&K Rifles, who had valiantly fought during the conflict. Thapa, who had joined the Indian Army at the age of 17, was deployed in the Subansiri Frontier Division and played a crucial role in defending against the Chinese offensive. His story is emblematic of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the war, which is often overshadowed by the political narratives surrounding the conflict.

On November 18, 1962, Thapa's unit encountered the Chinese Army while on patrol. Despite being outnumbered, Thapa and his comrades engaged the enemy, inflicting significant casualties. Thapa's bravery delayed the Chinese advance for nearly 72 hours, ultimately leading to his death in battle. His remains were buried by the Chinese, who acknowledged his valor with a note of appreciation. This act of recognition, despite the hostility of war, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human experiences in times of conflict.

“I, along with some villagers, conducted his last rites and built a grave for him,” Byaling said, highlighting the respect shown to Thapa by the local community. The first bridge constructed by the Border Roads Organisation in 2010 was named after Thapa, commemorating his sacrifice. This gesture not only honors Thapa's memory but also symbolizes the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect for those who serve at the borders of the nation.

Byaling also addressed Nalo’s assertion that the Taksing area was under Chinese occupation, stating, “I made you GPM 10-15 years ago and provided you with central projects to develop your area. Instead of using BJP rhetoric, he should focus on protecting the land of his people, which is currently under Chinese occupation.” This remark underscores the political tensions within , where local leaders are often caught between national narratives and ground realities. Byaling's call for Nalo to prioritize the welfare of his constituents reflects a broader concern among local leaders regarding the impact of national politics on regional stability.

He further claimed that the Chinese Army's People’s Liberation Army (PLA) entered Kokra Nallah in Taksing circle at 10:32 AM on July 25, 2026, asserting that this encroachment is a recent development despite the border not being demarcated. The issue of border demarcation has long been a contentious topic between India and China, with both nations holding differing views on the actual boundaries. This ambiguity often leads to skirmishes and heightened tensions, making it imperative for local leaders to navigate these complex dynamics carefully.

“People have high hopes from Rijiju, who is the state's representative in the Union Cabinet. He should speak based on facts,” Byaling urged, reinforcing the need for accurate representation of the situation at the Indo-China border. Rijiju's role as a central figure in the government places a significant burden of responsibility on him to address the concerns of his constituents, particularly in light of historical grievances and ongoing border disputes.

Byaling concluded by reflecting on his past visits to the Indo-China border areas, stating that there was no evidence of Chinese presence in 1965, and that the current encroachment has become a focal point of national concern. The evolving situation at the Indo-China border has implications not only for local communities but also for national security and international relations. As tensions between India and China continue to simmer, the voices of local leaders like Byaling become increasingly vital in shaping the discourse around border security and territorial integrity.

The historical backdrop of the Sino-Indian War, coupled with the contemporary issues of encroachment and local governance, paints a complex picture of the challenges faced by . As the state grapples with these multifaceted issues, the need for informed dialogue and cooperative strategies becomes paramount. The stakes are high, with the potential for conflict remaining a pressing concern, making the role of political leaders in articulating the needs and fears of their constituents more critical than ever.