In yet another strong message to China, delivered not from Parliament but close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) this time, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reiterated the Narendra Modi government’s resolve to secure border from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.
Inaugurating a strategically important and state-of-the-art 100-meter steel arch bridge over Siyom river in Arunachal Pradesh not too far from the border with China, Singh also spotlighted the Indian military’s commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity and thwart any attempt made on it.
“The world is witnessing a number of conflicts today. India has always been against war. It is our policy. Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi drew the world’s attention to that resolve when he said ‘this is not the era of war’. We do not believe in war, but if it is forced upon us, we will fight,” the Defence Minister said while addressing the gathering.
“We are ensuring that the nation is protected from all threats. Our Armed Forces are ready and it is heartening to see that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is walking shoulder-to-shoulder with them,” he added.
Singh’s significant visit to the region comes in the backdrop of the December 9 clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Yangtse area of Tawang Sector. The soldiers from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) tried to transgress the LAC and unilaterally change the status quo–an attempt that Indian troops contested in a firm and resolute manner.
“Recently, our forces effectively countered the adversary in the Northern sector and dealt with the situation with bravery and promptness. This was made possible due to adequate infrastructural development in the region. This motivates us even more for the progress of far-flung areas,” he said without naming China.
The event at Along-Yinkiong Road also witnessed the inauguration of 27 other infrastructure projects constructed by BRO at a cost of Rs 724.3 crore. It includes 22 bridges, including Siyom bridge; three roads and three other projects in seven border states/Union Territories of Northern and North-Eastern regions. Eight of these projects are in Ladakh; five in Arunachal Pradesh; four in Jammu and Kashmir; three each in Sikkim, Punjab and Uttarakhand and two in Rajasthan. In addition, three telemedicine nodes – two in Ladakh and one in Mizoram – were also inaugurated.
The superstructure double-lane Siyom bridge is expected to give a major boost to the LAC infrastructure. It will facilitate faster induction of troops, and heavy equipment in Tuting, Yingkiong, and other frontline regions of Arunachal.
Singh described the projects as a testament to the concerted efforts of the government and the BRO towards the development of border areas in order to enhance the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces and ensure the socio-economic development of the far-flung regions.
The government’s “top priority”, he mentioned, is to not only connect the border areas and ensure the development of its residents but also build a strong and self-reliant ‘New India’ to effectively deal with future challenges which may arise due to the constantly-evolving global scenario.
He also termed infrastructure development as a “game changer” for the people residing in border areas, stressing that the Modi government is paying special attention to the development of the North-Eastern region, which has strengthened the country’s security system.
The three bridges constructed by BRO in north Sikkim, and inaugurated by Singh on Tuesday, will also help the region become a hot spot for tourists.
The 80-feet Thangu permanent bridge on strategic Kalep-Gaigong Road will assure all-weather connectivity to local commuters and also enable speedy induction of troops and military equipment to forward areas.
Using satellite communications system and VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) communication, the three telemedicine nodes will be able to provide prompt medical intervention for medical and surgical emergencies through telemedicine consultation with specialists at Service hospitals.
Singh had last visited the region and the forward posts along LAC in September to make an on-ground assessment of the operational preparedness.
