Itanagar: Governor K T Parnaik on Friday called upon the villagers of border areas to harness the potential of their region by focusing on tourism, poultry, animal husbandry and horticulture.
The governor said by supplying fresh vegetables and poultry items to the armed forces stationed near the villages, the villagers can earn a good livelihood, become self-reliant and capable, while the security forces will get fresh food items.
Governor Parnaik made these remarks during his visit to the vibrant border village of Tuting in the Upper Siang district, one of the selected villages included in the Vibrant Village Pilot program in Arunachal Pradesh.
During his interactions with the local populace, the governor stressed the vital role played by the Indian armed forces in ensuring border security and expressed the need for cooperation from the local residents. He pointed out that reciprocally, the armed forces and paramilitary units are ready to assist border communities in any way possible.
Governor Parnaik highlighted the Government of India’s initiative in the form of the Vibrant Village Program, aimed at achieving comprehensive development in border areas. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, where both the armed forces and local residents share resources and facilities.
In addition, the governor suggested that elected state representatives, secretaries, and government officers should regularly visit border and remote villages, following the example set by union ministers and Government of India secretaries in their visits to the state.
He believed that such proactive engagement from state-level officials could bring about a significant transformation in these communities, making them truly vibrant.
Recognizing the significance of healthcare and education in these villages, Parnaik called upon the residents to collaborate with the health department in eradicating issues such as drug abuse, tuberculosis, and cancer.
He encouraged the youth to attain at least a higher secondary education, emphasizing that a literate, disciplined, and motivated population could pave the way for Arunachal Pradesh’s prosperity. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of employing technology to address challenges effectively.
In response to a single-point memorandum, the governor pledged to address electricity and road connectivity issues by liaising with the state government and the Border Roads Organization. Additionally, he shared his vision for enhancing remote villages by providing training in health, hygiene, and sanitation to volunteers, offering them incentives for their valuable contributions.
Local MLA and Health and Family Welfare minister, Alo Libang, also addressed the gathering, while Upper Siang deputy commissioner, Hage Lailang, briefed the governor on the progress of the Vibrant Village Program in the district.
Soldiers urged to be alert:
Governor Parnaik on the day urged the officers and personnel of the Indian armed forces stationed near the Line of Actual Control at Tuting in Upper Siang district to remain on high alert, be vigilant and ensure their mental and physical fitness at all times.
He emphasized the sensitivity of Arunachal Pradesh’s international border and its critical role in national security.
The governor encouraged these officers and soldiers to uphold the esteemed traditions of the Indian Army, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the core values and principles of the Indian armed forces.
Drawing from his own experiences in the region, he advised security personnel to operate with a ‘Zero Notice’ reaction time and to maintain a state of constant vigilance. Additionally, he shared insights into border management and future warfare strategies.
Parnaik underscored the significance of building positive relationships between the armed forces and the civilian population in the area.
He called for the reinforcement of goodwill to foster mutual trust and understanding, highlighting the crucial role played by the armed forces in ensuring public safety and security along the border.
Notably, the event was attended by a substantial number of security personnel from Infantry Battalions, including the Maratha Regiment, Gorkha Regiment, Dogra Regiment, Army Supply Corps, Engineers, Artillery Brigade and the Indo Tibetan Border Police.
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