Tawang MLA urges Arunachal govt to resolve army land acquisition dispute

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 11, 2025

Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering has urged the state government to address the long-standing issue of land acquisition by the Indian Army in Tawang.

Speaking during the 4th session of the 8th Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, he raised concerns over vast stretches of land, including religious and community-owned sites, being under Army control since the 1960s and 1970s.

Tsering emphasized that these lands hold deep cultural, historical, and economic significance for the local people but remain inaccessible to them. Despite multiple discussions with the Defence Estate Officer (DEO), he said, the issue remains unresolved.

The MLA stressed that the ongoing land restrictions have impacted livelihoods and disrupted traditional practices. He urged the state government to engage with Army authorities to find a solution that respects both national security needs and the rights of the local community.

The issue of Army land acquisition in Tawang has long been a point of contention, with locals demanding rightful access to their ancestral lands. Tsering’s renewed appeal is expected to push for fresh discussions between the state government and the defence establishment to reach a fair resolution.