Giving fillip to trade and tourism, Arunachal Corridor to act as bridge between India and South East Asia
Tawang, November 14: Giving a fillip to trade and tourism, Arunachal Corridor will act like a land bridge between India and South East Asia that will provide employment, asserted Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh as he inaugurated the 11th Maitree Diwas celebration in Tawang. Rajnath Singh also said that the Modi-led government is planning to set up North East Industrial Corridor that will create numerous job opportunities for the people of the region.
Addressing the event, Rajnath Singh underlined the special emphasis indicating that the Government is working on the development of the North East region under the Act East Policy. Adding further, he said, “India is marching forward on the path of all-round progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi”. He said, “Road to ‘New India’ runs through ‘New North-East India’.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to improve connectivity in border areas, Raksha Mantri said, approval to construct a tunnel at Sela Pass to Tawang, operationalisation of Pasighat Airport, nod to set up Hollongi Airport near Itanagar and work to establish three strategic Railway lines in the region are some of the decisions in that direction. He said, the projects will provide all-weather connectivity to the local population, facilitate the movement of the Armed Forces and give a boost to tourism. He also lauded the Five-Year Road Plan of Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu under which all the existing inter-state and inter-district roads will be upgraded to State highway specifications by 2024.
Speaking on Maitree Diwas, which is showcasing the local culture as well as modern military demonstrations, including Helicopter flypast and weapon display, Rajnath Singh said, the festival symbolises the patriotism of the people of the region and their close relationship with the Armed Forces. He said, this ‘civil-military friendship’ is an assurance that the nation’s borders are doubly safe. He called for oneness among people, civil administration, Police and Central Armed Police Forces to realise the dream of ‘New India’.
Raksha Mantri also urged the youth of the border state to actively join the Armed Forces. “The people of Arunachal Pradesh are known for their patriotism. My ministry will see that Army Recruitment Centres are set up in some parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Tawang,” he added. Rajnath Singh said, his Ministry is also planning to set up an Army Liaison Cell in Itanagar to facilitate cooperation with the Army for Operational purposes in Arunachal Pradesh. It will be a single window entity for all issues, he said.