Arunachal government paves the way for border area development

The Pema Khandu-led government in Arunachal Pradesh is working towards fostering development in India’s border regions, as the situation has undergone a significant change since the inception of the Vibrant Village program. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, highlighted the substantial progress in this remote area, stating, “We share the longest border in the north with China and Tibet, approximately 35% of the border, spanning about 1200 km.”

Historically, Arunachal Pradesh has held immense strategic significance due to its extensive border shared with China and Tibet, which China claims as its own territory. India, despite China’s claims, has consistently asserted Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of the nation. In pursuit of transformation, PM Modi initiated the Vibrant Village program, with Arunachal Pradesh receiving a significant allocation of villages.

Among these villages is Mago Chuna, a forward settlement situated near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. For years, this region had been neglected, and reaching Mago Chuna was an arduous task due to challenging terrain, posing difficulties for both civilians and security forces.

PM Modi’s vision of development extends beyond the mainland and recognizes the paramount importance of developing border areas. Previously, it took several days to reach Mago Chuna, with a two-day journey on foot from Jang for civilians and a three-day trek for security forces.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted on October 2, saying, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi, border villages are experiencing a remarkable improvement in connectivity.”

He added, “Happy to have handed over a compensation cheque to the residents of Mago village, in acknowledgment of the land acquired for the construction of 18-km Mago-Thingbu Hydel Road.”

The completion of this road has brought significant relief to the local residents and defense personnel. Previously, the journey from Tawang to Mago took nearly two days, but thanks to this new road, travel time has been reduced to less than an hour.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also spoke about the Center’s commitment to transforming Mago Chuna. He noted, “For the first time, the Mago Chuna area now has access through motorable roads. PM Modi’s Vibrant Village program has yielded positive results, with roads, electricity, and water supply reaching the area. Development was virtually absent until the past nine years, but after Modi Ji became Prime Minister, the development of border areas became a top priority in policymaking.”

Central govt approves Border Intelligence Posts (BIP) initiative 

In another development, India’s Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will deploy additional intelligence officers along the India-China border, spanning from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, to enhance surveillance and information-gathering capabilities, according to a report.

According to the source, the central government has granted approval for the establishment of a new initiative known as the Border Intelligence Post (BIP). This move holds particular significance due to escalating Chinese activities and transgressions by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) along the border.

Each BIP will be staffed by a team of four to five Intelligence Bureau officials, who will be safeguarded by ITBP personnel, the source revealed on the condition of anonymity. The deployed personnel at these BIPs will maintain vigilant oversight of border activities and relay updates to higher authorities and the government.