New Delhi (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that road to ‘New India’ runs through ‘New North-East India’, and the government is planning to set up a North East industrial corridor that will create numerous job opportunities for the people of the region.
Addressing the 11th Maitree Diwas Celebrations in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh he said, “The Arunachal Corridor will act as a land bridge between India and South East Asia that will provide employment opportunities and give fillip to trade and tourism”.
He underlined the special emphasis of the government on the development of the North East region under the Act East Policy, adding “India is marching forward on the path of all-round progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.
Reaffirming Government’s commitment to improve connectivity in border areas, the Minister 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.
Speaking on Maitree Diwas, which is showcasing the local culture as well as modern military demonstrations, including Helicopter flypast and weapon display, the Defence Minister said, the festival symbolises 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. And called for oneness among people, civil administration, police and Central Armed Police Forces to realise the dream of ‘New India’.
Urging youth of the border state to actively join the Armed Forces Rajnath Singh said, “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 informed that 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.
The two-day socio-military cultural extravaganza is jointly organised by the Indian Army, Tawang Civil Administration and volunteers at the High-Altitude Stadium, which stands as a testimony to the spirit of solidarity and patriotic fervour that runs deep amongst the locals of Tawang district.
The Defence Minister also visited Tawang War Memorial and offered tributes to the fallen soldiers who made supreme sacrifice during the 1962 war.
