Greater Noida: Unfazed by China’s objections to development of border areas, Government on Friday announced setting up of 54 new border outposts and a Rs 175 crore package for beefing up the infrastructure along the border in Arunachal Pradesh.
The announcement was made by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh even as he made it clear that India wanted to solve the border dispute with China through dialogue, asserting “peace with honour” was most important requirement for building good friendly relations with that country and other neighbours.
Today when I talk about the border, be it with Pakistan or China, I feel pained and anguished over reports of ceasefire violations by Pakistan or incursions by Chinese troops,” he said at the 53rd raising day function of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) here, which guards the 3,488 km long border from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.
China has been objecting to any development of infrastructure along the LAC and setting up of border outposts leading to instances of stand-offs with India including during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to this country in September this year.
Singh also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi making it clear that India wants to maintain peaceful relations with all its neighbouring countries. “Our Prime Minister has told the Chinese President that if there is a dispute we should talk,” he said.
The Home Minister said Pakistan should know that Indian forces guarding the border and armed forces possess the “capability to give a befitting reply” for these misadventures. Singh also disapproved of Pakistan’s recent move of approaching the UN to internationalise the Kashmir issue and seeking the world body’s intervention, saying all issues can be resolved through bilateral talks.
During his media interaction, the Home Minister said India never indulges in the violation of ceasefire and that it always believes in peace. Firing has happened (along the Pakistan border) in the last two days as well and ceasefire violation is always from their (Pakistan) side,” he said.
Lauding the role of ITBP in guarding the country’s border in high altitude areas, Singh said the government will provide all help for the welfare of the force and its personnel.
Bureau Report
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