NEW DELHI: After Pakistan, China is also creating a border dispute with India as part of a “mission”, Defense Minister Rajnath singh said Monday, as an Indian and Chinese troops stay locked in a stalemate in Eastern ladakh for more than five months.
The defense minister, speaking at an online event after inaugurating 44 bridges, said that India is not only dealing with the situations along the borders with resolve, but also bringing great development, including in the border areas.
“You are well aware of the conditions created along our northern and eastern borders. First it was Pakistan and now also China, as if a border dispute were being created under a mission. We have a border of about 7,000 km with these countries where tension go on, “Singh said.
The defense minister spoke after inaugurating the bridges built in strategically key areas of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
Most of these bridges are expected to significantly improve troop movement in areas along the Chinese border in sectors of Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, authorities said.
Both India and China held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the border confrontation. However, no progress has been made to calm the situation.
Singh said that in the challenging times of Covid-19 and despite the border tensions and disputes caused by Pakistan and China, the country is not only facing them with determination, but is also causing historic changes in all sectors of development.
The defense minister also laid the foundation stone for the Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. This 450-meter-long tunnel would ensure all-weather connectivity through the Nechiphu Pass.
The bridges opened by Singh included 10 in Jammu and Kashmir, eight in Ladakh, two in Himachal Pradesh, four in Punjab and Sikkim, and eight in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh.
In his speech, Singh congratulated the Border Highway Organization (BRO) for its achievements in improving infrastructure in border areas and said the dedication of 44 bridges in one go was a record.
He said that BRO’s annual budget, which ranged from Rs 3,300 crore to Rs 4,600 crore in years between 2008 and 2016, saw a substantial increase and is pegged at more than Rs 11,000 crore in 2020-21.
“There was no reduction in this budget despite Covid-19,” he said.
Singh said that the construction of the bridges will benefit both the civilian population and the military in the areas.
“Our armed forces personnel are deployed in large numbers in areas where transportation is not available throughout the year,” he said, noting that improving border infrastructure will significantly help the armed forces.
“These roads are not only for strategic needs, but also reflect the equitable participation of all stakeholders in the development of the nation,” Singh said.
The defense minister praised the Border Roads Organization (BRO) for working tirelessly even during the lockdown period caused by the coronavirus.
The Defense Ministry said that despite an unprecedented snowfall that broke a 60-year record, all strategic crossings and roads were cleared for traffic about a month before their average annual opening date.
“I am pleased to learn that the BRO has cut more than 2,200 kilometers of roads over the past two years, using the latest technologies and state-of-the-art equipment. In addition, some 4,200 km of roads were paved,” he added.
Amid the border clash with China, India is accelerating work on several key projects, including a strategic highway linking Darcha in Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh, which will traverse several high-altitude snow-covered passes.
The nearly 290 km long road will be crucial for the movement of troops and heavy weapons to the border bases in the Ladakh region and will provide a crucial link with the Kargil region.
On video: border dispute created as if under a mission: Rajnath Singh
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