The Eastern Army Commander, Lieutenant General RP Kalita on Monday informed that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is carrying out infrastructure development across the Arunachal Pradesh border to enhance its capacity.
“Across the Line of Actual Control in the Tibet region, a lot of infrastructure development is going on. The other side is constantly upgrading their road, rail and air connectivity so that they are in a better position to respond to a situation or mobilise forces,” he said at a press conference here.
Kalita said that the border villages close to the LAC built by Chinese authorities can be used for dual purposes.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation. We are also upgrading our infrastructure and capabilities as well as the mechanism to handle the situation. These have put us in a robust position,” he added. The Indian Army Commander further said that while upgrading capacities and framework in forwarding areas, the difficult terrain and inclement weather conditions have been the greatest difficulties.
He stated that the Indian Army is completely prepared with a “high level of operational preparedness”.
Earlier in April, the Ministry of Home Affairs informed Lok Sabha that six times more funds have been allocated by the government for infrastructure development along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. It has been increased from Rs 42.87 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 249.12 crore in 2021-22. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in Lok Sabha that Rs 602.30 crore in the year 2021-22 and Rs355.12 crore in 2020-21 has been allocated for improving infrastructure along the international border under the Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) scheme.
