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🇮🇳 India /Conflict & Security

India names 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh to counter China's renaming efforts

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • India has officially named 27 locations and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh on its maps.
  • This move is seen as a response to China's repeated attempts to rename places within the region.
  • The identified locations include strategic passes and land areas, some of which have historical significance in border disputes.

India has officially designated standard names for 27 places and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting its claim over the region. The Indian government stated that this action aims to ensure accurate recognition and enhance public awareness of these locations.

The move is widely interpreted as India's countermeasure against China's persistent efforts to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, which India administers. China has released multiple lists of standardized names for areas it refers to as Zangnan, the Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh, since 2017.

The Government of India, in consultation with State Government of Arunachal Pradesh, has identified a total of twenty-seven (27) places/features located in Arunachal Pradesh, by standard place and feature names on the official maps of Survey of India (SoI). Identifying them formally on the Survey of India map of Arunachal Pradesh is aimed at facilitating their accurate recognition and better awareness among the public at large.

— Official statementThe government statement explaining the rationale behind officially naming the locations in Arunachal Pradesh.

Among the 27 identified locations are strategic passes like Dzo La and Thag La, the latter being a site of a key battle in the 1962 Sino-Indian war. Land areas such as Longju, an early flashpoint in 1959, and various other named sites, including the Sher-e-Thapa Memorial and Sambho Sarovar lake, are also included. The formal naming on the Survey of India maps solidifies their recognition within India.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has dismissed recent reports of incursions by China's People's Liberation Army, stating that Indian Army personnel are deployed and maintaining the territory. He emphasized that he would consult with local tribes and the army regarding any such allegations, expressing confidence in India's control over the region.

We don't think there was an incursion as the Indian Army personnel are deployed and maintaining the territory. I have also urged the local tribes; I will hear them and also talk to the army.

— Pema KhanduArunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu's response to reports of Chinese incursions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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