New Delhi: The Central Government has formally standardised the names of 27 locations and geographical features across Arunachal Pradesh on official Survey of India (SoI) maps, in a move aimed at strengthening the identification and recognition of places within the state.

According to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the exercise was carried out in consultation with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and includes four mountain passes, a lake, a memorial, and several other geographical features.

The announcement comes amid renewed attention on the border region following social media reports alleging a Chinese incursion along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh. Those claims have been denied by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the state government, and the Indian Army.

In an official statement, the Home Ministry said the standardisation of names is intended to facilitate accurate identification of these locations and improve public awareness through official Survey of India maps.

"The Government of India, in consultation with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, identified a total of 27 places or features in Arunachal Pradesh by standard place and feature names on the official maps of the Survey of India," the ministry said.

Officials said the list includes the border village of Longju, which India considers part of Arunachal Pradesh, although it has remained under Chinese control since 1959. According to officials, the inclusion of such locations is intended to reinforce India's stated sovereign and legal claim over these territories.

The development comes against the backdrop of the long-standing boundary dispute between India and China. Both countries continue to maintain differing claims over parts of the eastern sector of the Line of Actual Control, while India has consistently maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of the country.