Itanagar, Feb. 20 (PTI): On the occasion of 32nd Statehood Day celebrations, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) BD Mishra today called upon the youth of the state to join the Indian Army and “guard the country’s borders against intrusion”.
Addressing people at Indira Gandhi Park here, he said the NDA government has understood the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh and has resolved not to compromise the territorial integrity.
“India of today is different from that of 1962. The country is strong enough to counter any force,” the governor said, referring to the 1962 war between India and China.
Lauding the Army for their recruitment drive in Arunachal Pradesh, Mishra said, “To counter China, we need our boys in the Indian Army as they are accustomed with the terrain and climate of the state.”
Mishra’s statement comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the state.
Soon after Modi’s visit, China, which claims the state as part of the South Tibet, had asked India to refrain from taking any action that may “complicate” the boundary question.
Clarifying India’s stance on the matter, external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and leaders and people of this country have the right to visit the state.
Mishra also termed Pakistan as a “base” for terrorist activities and said the neighbouring country is suffering today because it “abetted terror groups” on its soil.
“Pakistan will not be able to survive on its own even for a week if America and China stops funding them,” he said.
The governor also appreciated Chief Minister Pema Khandu for his efforts in bringing about development in the state.
Khandu had recently assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his government will “give account of every penny spent from the government exchequer”.
Stressing on the need for cent per cent literacy in the state, Mishra urged upon the teaching community to shed the “tendency to abstain from work” and asked the private universities in the state to focus on personality development of students through inclusive education.
“The state government will soon come up with a mechanism to monitor the functioning of private universities in the state,” he said.
Asked people to join hands with the state government in curbing social evils, the governor said, “Drugs and insurgency should be rejected by the people. They are stumbling blocks in the development of the state.”
Mishra also praised the state government for launching Dulari Kanya scheme in the state to check infant mortality.
Under this scheme, the state government will be depositing Rs 20,000 in the bank account of a girl child, born in any government hospital. The girl will have access to the amount along with its accrued interest once she turns 18.
The governor also released a souvenir on the occasion and ceremonially launched the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana - Saubhagya scheme at the event. The scheme aims to provide energy access to all households in rural and urban areas of the country by December 31.
