Arunachal Pradesh: India maps 27 locations to counter China's claims

The Indian government, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh state government, has officially standardized the names of 27 geographical locations and features on the Survey of India maps. This initiative aims to ensure accurate recognition and increase public awareness of these sites.

The identified locations include 21 land areas (such as Longju, Maja, and Jaswant Garh), four mountain passes (Dzo La, Riza La, Pukur La, and Thag La), one lake (Sambho Sarovar), and the Sher-e-Thapa Memorial. Some sites hold significant historical and strategic value; for instance, Thag La is associated with the 1962 Sino-Indian War, and Longju is a border village situated near the Line of Actual Control.

This cartographic action serves as a response to China's repeated attempts to rename locations within Arunachal Pradesh—which Beijing refers to as "Zangnan." India has consistently rejected these claims, asserting that the state is an integral part of its territory. While Chinese officials have criticized the move as an action that could escalate border tensions, Indian authorities maintain it is a necessary assertion of sovereign authority.