Governor addresses Sainik Sammelan near LAC, visits border village

ITANAGAR, 17 Nov: Arunachal Pradesh Governor K.T Parnaik, who is on a two-day visit to Shi Yomi district, addressed a Sainik Sammelan at Monigong, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), on Sunday. He emphasized the commitment of both the armed forces and the civil administration to safeguarding the region and fostering trust and cooperation among all stakeholders.

The Governor highlighted the strategic importance of the sensitive international border in Arunachal Pradesh for national security. He urged the security forces to remain vigilant and uphold the proud traditions of the Indian Armed Forces in protecting critical border regions.

The Governor also shared insights on effective border management and modern security strategies. He stressed the importance of physical fitness and mental alertness to address the challenges posed by the sensitive borders.

He advised the forces to enhance vigilance and foster a sense of security among the local population. He emphasized the need to strengthen goodwill between the troops and local communities, reinforcing the trust and cooperation essential for maintaining peace and harmony in the region.

Troops from the Indian Army, as well as personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Assam Rifles, were present at the Sainik Sammelan.

56 Infantry Division Deputy General Officer Commanding Brigadier Sunil Upadhyaya, and 5 Brigade Commander Brigadier Md. Sarfraz briefed the Governor on the operational preparedness and security measures in place to maintain the sanctity of the LAC. They also informed the Governor about the strong rapport between the security forces and the local population, as well as the cordial relations with the district administration.

During his visit, the Governor also toured the Vibrant Border Village of Monigong. He interacted with the villagers and reviewed various projects and schemes under the Vibrant Border Village program.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor noted that, under the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both the central and state governments are committed to bringing development to the first villages along the border. He expressed confidence that this collaborative effort would ensure progress and prosperity for rural communities, while also guaranteeing the security and territorial integrity of these sensitive border areas.

The Governor appealed to the people to actively participate in the developmental and transformative progress of Arunachal Pradesh with a ‘Nation First’ spirit, while maintaining territorial integrity in remote border villages. He emphasized that the collective efforts of all stakeholders would facilitate further progress and encourage reverse migration from urban to rural areas.

The Governor also mentioned that Shi Yomi district has potential for religious, eco, and adventure tourism. He encouraged the youth to explore tourism-related avenues, such as becoming tour operators, guides, or creating home stay facilities, among other ventures.

Further, the Governor urged the local population to continue maintaining cooperation and goodwill with the security forces. He reiterated that the armed forces are stationed in the area for the nation’s security and will always contribute to the welfare of the local people. (PRO, Rajbhavan)