Arunachal: NPP MLA prioritizes protection of sacred land in Tawang

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: NPP MLA from Arunachal’s Tawang constituency, Namgey Tsering has emphasized that his primary focus will be to safeguard the sacred and holy lands in the border district and address concerns over their occupation by Army establishments.

The first-time legislator pointed out that during the 1960s and 70s, Army establishments in the district mistakenly acquired several pilgrimage and sacred sites, which hold deep religious and cultural significance for the local people.

Tawang, known for its religious heritage and tourism, has seen these acquisitions impact on both preservation efforts and tourism-related activities, he pointed out.

“Tawang is a religious and tourist hub, attracting many visitors to its sacred sites. However, the inclusion of such sites within Army establishments has hampered conservation efforts and restricted tourist movement,” Tsering said.

He stressed that this situation has compromised the preservation of these holy sites and prohibited traditional grazing practices. The MLA further noted that no legal provisions allow the acquisition of such places, leading to growing resentment and emotional distress among locals. He warned that if the issue remains unresolved, it could lead to tensions between the local community and the Army.

Tsering highlighted that since 1961, multiple sacred lands in border areas have come under Army occupation. He urged the government to initiate talks with the Defence Ministry to address the issue, acknowledging the Army’s vital role in the district while emphasising the need to maintain strong local-military relations.

He suggested that the government identify all sacred lands occupied by the Army across the state and work towards vacating them while allocating alternative land for Army establishments.

“The Army should either formally acquire the land through proper procedures with fair compensation to the rightful owners or vacate it and return it to them at the earliest. This will promote peaceful coexistence between civilians and the Army while ensuring that national security concerns are balanced with the interests of local communities,” he asserted.

Tsering also accused the Defence Estate Officer (DEO) in Assam’s Tezpur of mismanagement, alleging that it has created confusion between locals and the Army. He called on the government to officially de-notify all sacred sites currently under Army control to ensure their preservation. Additionally, he urged authorities to allocate alternative land for the Army based on an equal-value land exchange, ensuring that national security remains uncompromised. “We have very limited land, as the district borders China-occupied Tibet. The government must prioritise this issue to maintain peace, harmony, and justice in the district,” he stated. Tsering had raised the matter during the recently concluded Budget session of the state assembly, where the government assured that steps would be taken to safeguard sacred lands currently occupied by the Army.

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