Itanagar: Intrusion of Chinese soldiers, successful conduct of PRI and first ever municipal elections, visit of Supreme Court appointed Local Boundary Commission team marked the the year 2013 in this land-locked sensitive border state of Arunachal Pradesh. The Chinese incursion on August 13 took place at Plam Plam area under Chaglagam sector in Anjaw district, about 60 km from LAC. Reportedly, the intruders roamed around the area for few days before the arrival of ITBP personnel, who were deployed to guard the 1080km-long India-China border.
Repeated Chinese incursions in different sectors remained a regular phenomenon throughout the year. Earlier, PLA men had transgressed into Tawang, Taksing and Kibitho sectors of the state to establish Chinese territorial claim over some parts of Arunachal’s 83,743 sq km land.
Issuing of stapled visas to residents of Arunachal Pradesh once again surfaced in October when two promising women archers, Yumi Sorang and Maselo Mihu were barred from participating in the World Archery Championship held in China. The Chinese authorities had issued stapled visas to both the talented archers which was refused by the immigration officials posted at IGI Airport.
The incident was strongly condemned and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki had also raised the matter with the External Affairs Ministry.
President Pranab Mukherjee arrived on his maiden visit to the state on November 29. In his address to a special session of the legislative Assembly, he said, ‘Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and important part of the NE region of the country and a core stakeholder in India’s Look East Foreign Policy’. ‘Considering the huge pool of natural resources and the quality of its human resources, the North East of India has the potential of being an important investment destination for trade and business’, the President said on the first day of his two-day state visit.
The overall law and order situation of the state remained unsatisfactory throughout the year. Rape, robberies, murders, extortion and kidnapping were reported from every corner of the state.
Police and Assam Rifles personnel were nabbed few hardcore UG activists, who were engaged in various unlawful activities in these districts. (UNI)
