Manmohan stresses on permanent peace in north-east

GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said that it was imperative that permanent peace was established in the north-east region.

Addressing jawans of the Army and Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) posted in the forward areas of Kibithu along the India-China border and Lohitpur along the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh at a function held in Lohitpur, Dr. Singh said: “I know that apart from guarding the country’s border, you are also fighting terrorism and insurgency. This is a challenging task. You have achieved tremendous success in operations against terrorists in Assam while upholding human values.”

Full faith

Congratulating the jawans for their achievement in counter-insurgency operations, Dr. Singh said: “People of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have full faith in you. Now, there is demand for peace from all corners. I also believe that your sacrifice and service coupled had created the right environment for the State governments to deal with security-related problems. It is imperative that permanent peace is established in the north-east region.”

Keeping in mind the problems of transit facilities faced by the jawans posted along the country’s northeast frontier, the Prime Minister announced a grant of Rs. 60 lakh for setting up transit facilities at Senge, Dehan, Likabali and Missamari.

He also announced an additional amount of Rs. 30 lakh for setting up satellite telephony at Subonsiri, Siang, Lohit, Dibang and Seam to improve telecommunication with far-flung areas of the country.

Dr. Singh also told the jawans, who had come from forward areas to have Barakhana with him, that he had instructed the Army Chief to bring to his notice whatever more was required.