Context:
Amid repeated attempts by China to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, recently, India has formally identified 27 places and geographical features in the state by their standard Indian names on the official Survey of India map. The move seeks to ensure accurate recognition of these locations and increase public awareness.
Key Locations Identified:
The 27 locations include strategically important villages, mountain passes, lakes and memorials. These include Long Ju, Maja, Bisa, Dzo La, Riza La, Pukur La and Thag La.
Long Ju, located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), was an early India-China border flashpoint in 1959. Thag La is particularly significant because it witnessed one of the opening battles of the 1962 India-China War.
The list also includes Jairampur, an important logistics hub in Changlang district and a gateway towards eastern Arunachal Pradesh and the Myanmar frontier. Other locations include Sambho Sarovar, Jaswant Garh, Sher-e-Thapa Memorial, Kamlang Nagar and Buddhamandir.
China’s Renaming Policy:
China refers to Arunachal Pradesh as “Zangnan” or “South Tibet” and has periodically released lists of standardised Chinese names for locations in the state.
China issued its first list covering 6 places in 2017, followed by 15 places in 2021 and 11 places in 2023.
India has rejected these efforts, arguing that assigning fictitious names cannot change the territorial or administrative reality.
India-China Border Dispute:
The India-China boundary dispute involves an approximately 3,440-km frontier along the Line of Actual Control.
The dispute is broadly divided into three sectors:
- Western Sector: Aksai Chin, administered by China but claimed by India.
- Middle Sector: Parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
- Eastern Sector: Arunachal Pradesh, which India administers and China claims as “South Tibet”.
The McMahon Line, drawn during the 1914 Simla Convention, forms the basis of India's boundary position in the eastern sector, but China does not recognise it.
Strategic Significance:
Arunachal Pradesh has major strategic importance due to its location along the eastern Himalayas and proximity to China, Bhutan and Myanmar. Locations such as Thag La and Jairampur have military and logistical significance.
India's mapping initiative also represents cartographic assertion of sovereignty and complements its efforts to strengthen border infrastructure and connectivity.
Way Forward:
India needs a comprehensive approach combining border infrastructure, military preparedness, development of border areas and sustained diplomatic engagement. Confidence-building measures and mechanisms to prevent escalation should continue alongside efforts towards a mutually acceptable boundary settlement.
Conclusion:
China's renaming attempts are part of a broader contest over territory and geopolitical narratives. India's formal mapping of 27 locations reinforces its territorial position. However, lasting peace will require effective border management, sustained dialogue and ultimately a negotiated resolution of the boundary dispute.
