PTI
ITANAGAR, MARCH 26
Connectivity to border areas is a must for easy and faster movement of the defence forces, said Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul during a meeting with ITBP IG M S Rawat.
“Suspension bridges and CC footsteps need to be constructed where required to improve connectivity to border areas. The border porter track should also be maintained for facilitating patrolling,” Pul said in the meeting, according to an official statement today.
As the defence personnel serving in border areas are living a harsh life, basic amenities like education and health care needs should be look into so that they can bring their families with them. Proper huts should also be built and maintained for them, Pul said to Rawat who called on him yesterday.
Citing strategic importance of the eastern part of the state bordering Myanmar, the Chief Minister urged Rawat to set up an ITBP battalion in the eastern zone too. He assured him to provide land at minimal rate.
He stressed on recruitment of more Arunachalee youths in ITBP as they are familiar with the locality and hilly terrains.
The chief minister urged the IG to keep at least two dedicated helicopters for ITBP in the state for emergency services -- one at Ziro for western part and another at Mohanbari for eastern zone.
He also requested Rawat to prepare an assessment report with sector-wise details of infrastructure requirements and submit it to the state government, the statement said.
Rawat informed the CM that due to shortage of funds, progress of infrastructure development in border areas in the state was very slow and sought the support of the chief minister in pursuing the matter with the Centre.
The IG said that ITBP has recruited highest number of Arunachalee youths among the armed forces and further assured Pul to seek special quota for the border state.
Currently 10 ITBP battalions are operating in the state and six more have been proposed for its border areas. Of that,four has been approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the statement said.
