Sikkim MP Dorjee Tshering Lepcha Urges Renaming ‘China Border’ to ‘Tibet Border’
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/31st July 2024
In a passionate appeal to the central government, Sikkim MP Dorjee Tshering Lepcha requested that the term ‘China border’ be officially changed to ‘Tibet border.’ Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Lepcha emphasized that the 1,400-kilometer stretch from Leh and Ladakh through Arunachal Pradesh to Sikkim borders Tibet rather than China.
Lepcha argued that the designation ‘China border’ is a misnomer and urged the Indian government, along with military agencies like the Indian Army and the Border Roads Organization (BRO), to recognize and adopt ‘Tibet border’ as the correct terminology. “This is not the China border. This is the Tibet border,” he stated firmly during his speech.
Lepcha also highlighted significant developmental disparities along the border regions. He pointed out that while China has developed villages and infrastructure near its border, the Indian side predominantly consists of reserved forests and wildlife sanctuaries, which are restricted from development. He stressed that these areas on the Indian side have limited accessibility, contrasting sharply with the Chinese side’s more developed landscape. “Near the border regions, China has built villages, while India has used them for reserved forests and wildlife sanctuaries, and has restricted access,” Lepcha remarked.
The Sikkim MP called for a comprehensive review by the central government to address these developmental inequalities. He urged the government to take substantial action to enhance infrastructure and development in the border regions on the Indian side to match the advancements seen across the border in China.
In addition to renaming the border, Lepcha also appealed to the central government to consider reopening the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route via Nathula, which has been closed for some time. The reopening of this route would not only facilitate religious pilgrimage but also improve connectivity and accessibility in the region.
Lepcha’s proposal to rename the border as the “Tibet border” is a significant step toward acknowledging the historical and geographical realities of the region. By doing so, he believes it will foster a more accurate representation and understanding of the area among the Indian population and the global community.
Furthermore, the appeal to develop the Indian side of the border to match China’s infrastructure underscores a broader call for balanced regional development. Enhancing infrastructure in these border areas would not only improve living conditions for local residents but also bolster India’s strategic and defensive capabilities.
Lepcha’s speech in the Rajya Sabha brings attention to an often-overlooked aspect of India’s border policies and highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to regional development and international terminology. His suggestions, if implemented, could lead to significant changes in how India manages and develops its border regions, promoting both national security and regional prosperity.
