Need for Civilian Population across Border Areas: CM Pema Khandu

By Asin Charu

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu emphasises the need for civilian population along the border areas of the state. 

The matter in-depth

In a meeting on 9th January Friday, CM Khandu in a 3-day rally in Nacho constituency under Upper Subansiri district bordering Tibet, informed that 4G connectivity facilities would soon reach the border areas of the state; mostly devoid of good network outreach, as the country has changed its policy of restricting development near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Whilst addressing the public at Taksing, Gelemo and Nacho, the CM informed the visit to be a part of his extensive tour across lesser-explored areas in the state and a survey to cover settlements beyond several district headquarters, especially the remote areas along the International borders.

"It is because of the tireless effort of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, road connectivity today has extended to remote border areas such as Taksing. The government is currently concentrating on accelerating the development of border regions by extending roads and other vital infrastructure," Khandu addressed the public.

Purpose behind the tour

The tour commenced November last year as a means towards learning about people's living conditions in rural locations as well as their grievances and expectations from the central and state governments.

Further, the CM highlighted that boosting civilian population across border areas will play an eminent role in sustenance activities, which would aid to deter China’s claim on our territory. He exemplified his hometown Tawang as the centre where human activities such as yak rearing and pilgrimage centres as a prominent form of sustenance are being developed near the border areas, and marked that such activities have helped deter territorial claims and vigilance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Emphasising the need for civilian-military cooperation, the CM advised the two join hands in unison to protect our international borders. He pointed out  the need for public and defence forces to celebrate major festivals and events together in order to foster harmony and a true sense of solidarity.

Promises made by the CM

Khandu personally inspected the road conditions from Taksing to Nacho and Maza area. He pledged to raise the issue of road infrastructure improvement with the Centre. The Chief Minister also committed to building a hydel project in Taksing, improving road connectivity in Taksing, building a new public ground in Nacho, and speeding up road connectivity between Limeking and Pipsorang.

Sneak peek on the tour

During his tour, he observed how the Tagin community of Taksing over the years have beautifully preserved their Buddhist and Tani roots. "A Gonpa (Monastery) for Buddhists is not only a place of worship but also a centre of learning. The Tagin community of Taksing have well maintained and preserved the lone Gonpa at Taksing," he tweeted. 

That aside, the CM spent time with the armed forces guarding the international borders. At Gelemo in Upper Subansiri district, he met with BRO, ITBP and ADGPI officials. 

He, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, Tali MLA Jikke Tako and Technical Advisor to CM, KC Dhimole, discussed expediting the construction of PMGSY roads (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana) in Arunachal.

The state of Arunachal Pradesh borders China on 1,080-kilometers, Myanmar on 440 kilometres, and Bhutan on 160 kilometres. Although the state stands as a protective shield for the north-eastern counterparts, there have been numerous claims made by China as Arunachal Pradesh being a part of Southern Tibet. 

Just last week China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs announced standardised names for 15 locations across state. Tuting was named “DouDeng", River Siyom as “XiYueMu”, Kibithu as “Daba” and many more.