20/08/2026
Part 1
Tanga Byaling Rejects Rijiju’s Remarks; Demands Truth and Independent Verification on Arunachal Frontier
Itanagar, 20 August 2026:
Former Home Minister and Working President of the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Shri Tanga Byaling, strongly rejected the remarks of Union Minister and Arunachal Pradesh MP Shri Kiren Rijiju over Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi’s concerns regarding alleged Chinese intrusion and strategic activities along the Arunachal frontier.
Shri Byaling said that national security cannot be reduced to a political exchange between BJP and Congress.
“The people of Arunachal Pradesh do not need political rhetoric. They need facts, transparency and security. If the Government says our frontier is safe, let it place the verified facts before the people.”
He said that if the Government maintains that the Arunachal-China boundary remains undemarcated, it must clearly explain its position on the McMahon Line, the Line of Actual Control and areas claimed by both sides.
Taksing Allegations Must Be Independently Verified
Referring to allegations raised by the Nah Welfare Society regarding Chinese PLA activities and infrastructure in the Taksing sector, Shri Byaling noted that the Indian Army has subsequently rejected reports of recent Chinese encroachment as incorrect and without basis.
“This apparent contradiction makes credible verification—not political argument—all the more necessary. If the allegations are false, establish that transparently. If there is any genuine concern, tell the people what corrective action is being taken.”
He demanded clarification on the Government’s verified assessment of the Taksing sector, reports from the district administration and security agencies, changes in patrolling or traditional access, and measures to protect frontier communities.
He also called upon State Minister Shri Nyato Dukam, as the representative of the area, to place the verified ground situation before the people.
Questions on Arunachal Frontier Highway Alignment
Shri Byaling also demanded transparency regarding the original and revised alignment of the Arunachal Frontier Highway, particularly in strategically sensitive areas.
“We are not asking people to accept an allegation as fact. We are asking the Government to establish the facts through technical, security and financial scrutiny.”
He demanded, wherever national security permits, disclosure of the relevant alignment maps, technical reports and reasons for major deviations, and asked:
1. Why was the original alignment changed?
2. What was the technical and strategic justification?
3. Which competent authorities approved the changes?
4. What was the assessment of the Army and security agencies?
5. Has the revised alignment affected connectivity, surveillance or access to sensitive frontier areas?
Shri Byaling also demanded an independent, time-bound inquiry into any credible allegations concerning land acquisition, contracts, compensation, tendering, expenditure or other irregularities connected with the project.
“A strategic highway cannot become a highway for corruption. Every kilometre constructed and every rupee spent must serve the national interest.”
He clarified that Congress was not claiming as an established fact that any realignment has created a “buffer zone”, but demanded a comprehensive technical and strategic audit to determine whether any sensitive area has been left inadequately connected or monitored.
Congress Demands Transparency and Accountability
Shri Byaling demanded:
- Independent verification of the allegations raised by frontier communities.
- A comprehensive security audit of sensitive frontier areas.
- Transparency, wherever security permits, on the Frontier Highway alignment and major changes.
- Independent inquiry into credible allegations of irregularities or corruption.
- Strengthening of border roads, communications, surveillance and essential services.
- Regular consultation with frontier communities and elected representatives.
- A mechanism for border residents to report security concerns directly to authorities.
“Questioning the Government on national security is the constitutional responsibility of the Opposition. Instead of attacking Rahul Gandhi, Shri Rijiju should answer the substantive questions: What was alleged, what has been verified, what is the Government’s assessment, and what action has been taken?”
Shri Byaling reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inseparable part of India and that its territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
“Arunachal Pradesh is not a political battleground between BJP and Congress. It is India’s frontier. We do not want rhetoric; we want facts. We do not want propaganda; we want transparency. We do not want blame games; we want accountability.”
Issued by:
Shri Tanga Byaling
Former Home Minister & Working President
Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC)
Released by: Media and Social Media Department, APCC
