Army's Multifaceted Role in Arunachal Pradesh's Development

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, accompanied by General Officer Commanding of 3 Corps, Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, engaged in a strategic dialogue with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday. The meeting focused on security and development in the frontier state. As per official sources, Gen Dwivedi emphasized the Army's commitment to extend its role beyond border security to becoming an active partner in statewide development initiatives.

The discussions featured the implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme, underscoring the economic integration of frontier areas and enhancement of tourism infrastructure. The conversation also touched upon crucial subjects such as land issues, honoring gallantry award recipients from the state, recruiting local youth into the Army, and exploring roles for ex-servicemen in government services.

Chief Minister Khandu expressed gratitude to the Army for its support in tourism projects in areas like Mayudia and the Yangtse waterfall, as well as for preserving war history and advancing the Namti Valley war memorial. He acknowledged the Army's evolving role from mere border securing to a cornerstone in the state's development, visibly enhancing tourism and connectivity, thus transforming the economic landscape. Khandu urged further collaboration between legislators, district administrations, and the Army to reinforce this developmental partnership.

(With inputs from agencies.)