Tag: ARUNACHAL

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74% turnout in Arunachal repolling

Violence and EVM damage during the previous polls on April 19 prompted the Election Commission to order repolling in select areas….reports Asian Lite News

Repolling across four assembly constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a 74% voter turnout amidst heightened security measures. The turnout is expected to rise further as queues of voters persisted even after the official voting hours ended. With 4,469 registered voters across eight polling stations, voting commenced at 6 am and concluded at 2 pm.

Violence and EVM damage during the previous polls on April 19 prompted the Election Commission to order repolling in select areas. Chief Electoral Officer Pawan Kumar Sain outlined the locations for repolling, emphasizing stringent security measures to prevent any untoward incidents.

The repolling, conducted in Sario, Longte Loth, Bogne, Molom, Dingser, Bogiya Siyum, Jimbari, and Lengi, witnessed extensive security deployment to safeguard the electoral process. Despite the challenges, Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a commendable turnout of 82.71% during the initial polls. The ruling BJP secured ten assembly seats uncontested, while the Lok Sabha polls registered a turnout of 77.51%.

Counting for the assembly elections is scheduled for June 2, followed by the Lok Sabha polls on June 4.

In last week’s polling, Tripura witnessed around 79.83 per cent voter turnout registered till 5 p.m. in the Tripura West Lok Sabha seat on Friday in the first of the seven-phased general polls, as per the data provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

In Assam, an estimated 70.77 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5 p.m. in the five Lok Sabha seats.

Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency, in Assam, recorded the highest voter turnout of 76.20 per cent and the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha seat witnessed the second highest voter turnout in the state till 5 PM.

The five Lok Sabha seats in the state that went to polls are Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Kaziranga, Lakhimpur and Sonitpur

Meanwhile, Meghalaya recorded an average voter turnout of 69.91 per cent till 5 PM.

Shillong Lok Sabha seat, in Meghalaya, recorded a higher voter turnout of 70.26 per cent, Tura Lok Sabha recorded 69.31 per cent polling.

In Arunachal Pradesh – which is going for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections – the Arunachal East parliamentary seat recorded a voter turnout of 66.18 per cent and the Arunachal West Lok Sabha seat witnessed 63.99 per cent voter turnout till 5 PM.

Violence-hit Manipur witnessed around 68.62 per cent of voter turnout till 5 p.m. in two Lok Sabha seats.

Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat recorded the voter turnout of 72.32 per cent and the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat witnessed 61.98 per cent voter turnout till 5 PM.

Nagaland recorded an estimated 56.77 per cent voter turnout recorded till 5 p.m. in the lone Nagaland seat.

Mizoram Lok Sabha seat, reserved for the tribals, recorded a voter turnout of 53.97 per cent till 5 p.m.

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BJP promises 25k jobs in Arunachal

BJP said it would double the per capita income within the next 5 years, aiming to become the second largest economy with the highest per capita income amongst northeastern states by 2047…reports Asian Lite News

The BJP on Wednesday released its ‘Sankalp Patra’ (manifesto) for the Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections promising 25,000 jobs for youths, new schemes for girls, women, farmers and state’s infrastructure development.

The ‘Sankalp Patra’, released by BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda, committed that if elected to the government, the party would double the per capita income within the next 5 years, aiming to become the second largest economy with the highest per capita income amongst northeastern states by 2047.

Later Nadda said on the X: “This ‘Sankalp Patra’ will act as a catalyst in our ongoing efforts to elevate Arunachal Pradesh into a leading state by rapidly advancing infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, and education.”

He said that under the guidance of PM Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Kandu, the party will carry out our DTH model of Development, Transparency and Harmony and ensure the dream of ‘Viksit Arunachal’ in sync with ‘Viksit Bharat’.

The BJP promised to augment the financial assistance under PM Kisan Yojana from Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 and to launch the ‘Arunachal Pradesh Agri-Infra Mission’ under Atma Nirbhar Yojana to ensure holistic agricultural infrastructure.

The party, if elected to power, also announced to launch ‘Mithun and Yak Rearing Mission’ to preserve indigenous breeds and enhance the livelihoods of local communities.

For the girls and women, the saffron party assured to revamp the ‘Dulari Kanya Scheme’ to provide cumulative financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to every girl enrolling in graduation or professional courses and to provide LPG cylinders for Rs 400 to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

Under the PM Mudra Yojana, the BJP committed to offering collateral-free low-interest loans up to Rs 10 Lakhs to young women entrepreneurs.

In line with the Arun Shri Mission, a corpus fund of Rs 1,000 crores would be launched to upgrade existing government schools and provide quality education to students, the ‘Sankalp Patra’ said adding that ‘Arunachal Pradesh Gati Shakti Master Plan’ would be initiated to boost multi-modal connectivity and integrated infrastructural development by implementing critical projects across roadways, railways and airways.

The party also promised to work towards the holistic infrastructural development of the Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) districts to ensure equitable development and a fleet of Suryodaya EV buses and EV charging stations would be introduced to ensure net zero emissions.

The BJP, if returned to power, assured to allocate Rs 1,000 crores towards ensuring healthcare for all by modernising the medical infrastructure and increasing the bed capacity in all Sub-Centres, PHCs, CHCs, and district hospitals.

Under Medicine from the Sky Initiative, the ruling party promised to connect over 500 remote villages using drones to deliver life-saving drugs, essential medical supplies and diagnostic samples.

The other key promises, announced in the ‘Sankalp Patra’ include the launch of revamped Seva Aapke Dwar 3.0, assigning one Jansevak Volunteer for every 100 households to guarantee efficient doorstep delivery of government services, establishing women-run Suryodaya Canteens to provide locally-made nutritious food, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana free rice grains would be provided to 8.5 lakh people every month.

The BJP also promised to launch the ‘One Tribe-One Weave’ initiative to provide comprehensive support to artisans from the initial stages of product development to successful market entry.

The party pledged to organise the annual Arunachal Pradesh Cultural Mela, an exceptional celebration designed to uplift and showcase the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities in Arunachal.

The magnificent ‘Statue of Valour’ in a vibrant village would be constructed symbolising the bravery and resilience of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, the Sankalp Patra said.

Elections to the two Lok Sabha seats — Arunachal West and Arunachal East — and 50 of the 60 Assembly seats in Arunachal will be held on April 19.

The counting of votes for the Assembly elections will be done on June 2, while the results of the Lok Sabha elections will be announced on June 4.

80% decline in NE insurgency, says Nadda

BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Wednesday said that 80 per cent insurgency-related incidents reduced in the northeast during the past ten years of the Modi government and 66 per cent areas of the region are now free from the Armed Forces (Special power) Act (AFSPA).

Launching the Sankalp Patra (manifesto) for the Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections here, he said that the northeast was earlier known as a region of isolated land, blockade, bandh, insurgency, abduction, targeting killing and attacks.

“Now, peace has been established in Arunachal. The state is going to be self-sufficient in power. It is best destination for tourism, 5G connectivity is being provided, natural farming is being developed, sports sectors are being expanded and strengthening the potentiality in all sectors,” the BJP President said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the region as ‘Ashta Lakshmi’, the eight forms of the goddess of wealth.

Claiming a very positive sea change accomplished in Arunachal, he said that unbelievable development took place in the state as PM Modi always said that if the northeast is not developed, India will not grow.

The BJP president said that adventure tourism would be promoted in Arunachal Pradesh, and this land of divinity should not be land of divide.

Appreciating the people of Arunachal Pradesh for electing ten BJP candidates, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu, without any contests, the former union minister said that the double engine government is developing health care facilities, the infrastructure of education while strengthening social security protection and protecting indigenous culture.

Noting that three airports including the region’s first green field airport are now operational in the state, he said that ten or six years back, none could have imagined such a good connectivity that now exists in the state.

The BJP President said that a good express train is now running between Naharlagun (adjoining Arunachal capital Itanagar) and Delhi while excellent National Highways are also accessible in the state.

The Prime Minister last month dedicated the ambitious all-weather Sela Tunnel project in Arunachal Pradesh and it was built at a cost of Rs 825 crore, he said, adding that the Sela Tunnel would boost tourism in the state and help the defence forces in a big way.

“Over 25 crore people in the country uplifted from the poverty line. The Modi government has been taking care of women, youths, farmers, tribals and Dalits,” he pointed out.

He said that the Prime Minister recently launched the Industrial Development Scheme for the northeast, UNNATI (Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialisation Scheme) with a corpus fund of Rs 10,000 crore.

Elections to the two Lok Sabha seats — Arunachal West and Arunachal East — and 50 of the 60 Assembly seats in Arunachal will be held on April 19.

Ten ruling BJP candidates for the Assembly polls, including Chief Minister Khandu (Mukto seat) and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein (Chowkham seat), have already won their respective seats without any contest.

The counting of votes for the Assembly elections will be done on June 2, while the results of the Lok Sabha elections will be announced on June 4.

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US ‘Strongly Opposes’ China’s Claim Over India’s Arunachal

US CHINA FLAGS

Time and again India has rejected China’s territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral and inalienable part of the country…reports Asian Lite News

The United States recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and “strongly opposes” any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by China across the Line of actual Control, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.

The Biden administration official’s statement came a few days after the Chinese military repeated its claim over the northeast state after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a visit to the state and launched development projects.

Earlier this week, the Chinese defence ministry reiterated its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, terming the Indian State as as “Zangan- an inherent part of China’s territory,” saying, Beijing “never acknowledges and firmly opposes” the “so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India”.

“Zangnan is China’s inherent territory, and China never recognises and firmly opposes India’s illegal establishment of the so-called ‘Arunachal Pradesh’,” said spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang on March 15.

When questioned about the same, during a daily press briefing on Wednesday (local time), the State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Patel said, “The United States recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of actual Control.”

Time and again India has rejected China’s territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral and inalienable part of the country.

The Ministry of External Affairs in an official statement on Tuesday noted that the people of Arunachal Pradesh will “continue to benefit” from India’s development programmes and infrastructure projects.

“We have noted the comments made by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Defence Ministry advancing absurd claims over the territory of the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. Repeating baseless arguments in this regard does not lend such claims any validity,” said the official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal.

“Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Its people will continue to benefit from our development programmes and infrastructure projects,” the statement added. (ANI)

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Senate panel recognises Arunachal as integral part of India

Photo taken on Feb. 9, 2021 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie/IANS)

The legislation reaffirms that the US recognises the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh…reports Asian Lite News

The United States Congressional Senatorial Committee on Thursday passed a resolution recognising Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India.

The resolution was passed by Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley, Tennessee’s Senator Bill Hagerty, and Texas’ Senator Jon Cornyn. The resolution was cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

The legislation reaffirms that the US recognises the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It refused China’s claims that large portions of Arunachal Pradesh are their territory, which is a part of the PRC’s increasingly aggressive and expansionist policies, a media statement said.

“America’s values supporting freedom and a rules-based order must be at the centre of all of our actions and relationships around the world—especially as the PRC government pushes an alternative vision,” said Senator Merkley, who serves as the Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

“Committee passage of this resolution affirms that the United States views the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India—not the People’s Republic of China—and commits the US to deepen support and assistance to the region, alongside like-minded international partners,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Hagerty said at the time when China continues to pose grave and gathering threats to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, it’s critical for the United States to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our strategic partners in the region—especially India and other Quad countries—and push back against the CCP’s broader strategy of territorial aggrandisement that it has pursued in the South and East China Seas, the Himalayas, and the southern Pacific, according to an official statement.

“As tensions between India and China escalate over their shared border, the United States must stand strong in our defence of democracy by supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Senator Cornyn.

Cornyn said further this resolution would reaffirm that the US recognises the Arunachal Pradesh as “part of the Republic of India”. (ANI)

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Beijing ‘opposes’ Amit Shah’s visit to Arunachal  

The Centre has approved the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ with central components of Rs 4800 crore including Rs.2500 crore exclusively for road connectivity…reports Asian Lite News

Days after India rejected its attempts to rename some places in Arunachal Pradesh, China has again sought to make comments about the Indian border state saying it “opposes” the visit of Home Minister Amit Shah.

“China firmly opposes the Indian official’s visit to Zangnan as Zangnan is China’s territory and the visit violated China’s territorial sovereignty and is not conducive to peace and tranquillity in the border region,” China Daily, a state-affiliated daily, quoted Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin as stating at a news briefing on Monday. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Monday launched the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ in Kibithoo, a border village in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Centre has approved the ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ with central components of Rs 4800 crore including Rs.2500 crore exclusively for road connectivity for the financial years 2022-23 to 2025-26.

The programme will help in improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages and encourage people to stay in their native locations thereby reversing the outmigration from these villages and adding to the security of the border

A total of 2967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts abutting the northern border in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and UT of Ladakh have been identified for comprehensive development under ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’

The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier this month rejected China’s attempts to rename 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh.

“We have seen such reports. This is not the first time China has made such an attempt. We reject this outright. Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Attempts to assign invented names will not alter this reality,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

The United States had also strongly opposed China’s attempts to advance its claim over the Indian territory of Arunachal Pradesh by renaming places. (ANI)

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India slams China over renaming places in Arunachal  

Government says the border state has been and will always be an integral part of India…reports Asian Lite News

India has outrightly rejected China’s attempt to rename places of Arunachal Pradesh, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Tuesday. He asserted that Arunachal Pradesh will always be an integral part of India.

The statement of Arindam Bagchi comes after China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs came up with the names of 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh, which it referred to as “Zangnan, the southern part of Tibet.” In response to media queries regarding China renaming some places in Arunachal Pradesh, Arindam Bagchi in a statement said, “We have seen such reports. This is not the first time China has made such an attempt. We reject this outright.”

He further said, “Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Attempts to assign invented names will not alter this reality.”

China released names of 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh in Chinese characters, Tibetan and pinyin according to the rules on geographical names issued by the State Council, China’s cabinet, Global Times reported.

The ministry announced the names of 11 places on Sunday and also gave precise coordinates, including two residential areas, five mountain peaks, two rivers and two other areas. China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs also listed the category of places’ names and their subordinate administrative districts, as per the news report.

According to a Global Times report, this is the third batch of geographical names announced by the ministry in Arunachal Pradesh. As per the news report, the first batch of the standardized names of six places was issued in 2017, and the second batch of 15 places was released in 2021.

Earlier, in December last year, the Indian government said that it has seen reports of China attempting to rename some places in Arunachal Pradesh “in its own language” and asserted that the border state has been and will always be an integral part of India.”

In response to a media query on reports that China has renamed some places in Arunachal Pradesh in its own language, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said China had also sought to assign such names in April 2017.

“We have seen such reports. This is not the first time China has attempted such a renaming of places in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. China had also sought to assign such names in April 2017,” Bagchi said.

“Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be an integral part of India. Assigning invented names to places in Arunachal Pradesh does not alter this fact,” he added.

US ‘strongly oppose’ China’s move

United States “strongly oppose” China’s attempts to advance a claim over Indian territory, Arunachal Pradesh by renaming localities, the White House said on Tuesday.

“This is another attempt by the Chinese claim on us, Indian territory. So the United States, as you know, has recognized that territory for a long time and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance a territory claim by renaming localities. And so, again, this is something that we have long stood by a few things,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. This statement came after China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs standardised the names of 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh, which it referred to as “Zangnan, the southern part of Tibet.”

Meanwhile, in the press conference, talking about the India-US relationship and Ambassador Eric Garcetti, Pierre said, “So, this is something that I’ve said from here that the president has said. When we look at the relationship with India, it’s one of the most consequential relationships that the United States has in the world that still stands.”

“Ambassador Garcetti will be leading an ambitious effort to deepen our cooperation with India in critical and emerging technologies, expand our defence cooperation, and strengthen our economic and people-to-people ties. Again, one of the most consequential relationships that we have in the United States, and in the world. That the United States have in the world. So it’s an important relationship that the president sees,” she added. (ANI)

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China skips G20 meet in Arunachal

The theme of the G20 meeting in Itanagar was ‘Research, innovation initiative, gathering’. It was organised by the state science and technology department and was not open to the media…reports Asian Lite News

China on Monday declined to react to reports that its officials skipped a “confidential” G20 meeting held in Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims as part of the mainland.

When asked about reports that China has abstained from the meeting held on Sunday at Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing here “I am not aware of what you said”.

“I have to check it with my colleagues,” she said.

The question and her reply did not figure in the official transcript of the media briefing posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website hours later. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet. India firmly rejects China’s claims and asserts that the state is an integral part of the country.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang visited New Delhi earlier this month to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Qin also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on March 2. The meeting was the first between Jaishankar and Qin after the latter became the Chinese foreign minister in December.

The theme of the G20 meeting in Itanagar was ‘Research, innovation initiative, gathering’. It was organised by the state science and technology department and was not open to the media.

The delegates, who arrived at the state on Saturday morning, was accorded a grand welcome to the state. An exhibition showcasing various tribal arts and cultures was also held. The delegates also visited the Thupten Gatseling Monastery and the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum where they were briefed about the history and rich culture of the northeastern state.

Besides Arunachal, a G20 meeting will also be held in Jammu and Kashmir in second week of May. Pakistan has already expressed its protest over the conduct of meeting in the northern most state, but India has overridden its opposition to go ahead and schedule the meeting. The g20 event is also at a much higher-level meeting compared to the RIIG event in Itanagar.

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AFPSA extended in parts of Arunachal, Nagaland

One more police station area has been brought under the ambit of the AFSPA through the fresh notification…reports Asian Lite News

The Union home ministry on Friday extended for six months the “disturbed area” status in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.

According to two separate notifications, the decisions have been taken after review of the law-and-order situation in both the states.

The AFSPA gives armed forces personnel, operating in disturbed areas, sweeping powers to search, arrest, and to open fire if they deem it necessary for “maintenance of public order”.

The home ministry said the central government in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the AFSPA 1958 (28 of 1958) had declared the Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the state of Assam as ‘disturbed area’ on September 30, 2022.

One more police station area has been brought under the ambit of the AFSPA through the fresh notification.

“And whereas a further review of the law and order situation in the state of Arunachal Pradesh has been undertaken. Now, therefore, Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the state of Assam, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2023, unless withdrawn earlier,” one of the notifications said.

In the other notification, the home ministry said the central government in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958 (28 of 1958) had declared nine districts and 16 police stations in four other districts of Nagaland as ‘disturbed area’ for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2022.

It said, now, the disturbed area status will be applicable in eight districts and 21 police stations areas falling under five other districts.

“And whereas a further review of the law and order situation in the state of Nagaland has been undertaken. Now, therefore, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren districts in Nagaland and the areas in Nagaland falling within the jurisdiction of i) Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; ii) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung District; iii) Yanglok police station in Longleng District; iv) Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and v) Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2023, unless withdrawn earlier,” the notification said.

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India, Bhutan celebrate ‘festival of friendship’ in Arunachal  

Local community of Zemithang, assisted by the civil administration and the Indian Army, organised the festival…reports Asian Lite News

The Gorsam Kora festival, widely viewed as the festival of friendship between India and Bhutan, was celebrated at the Gorsam Chorten Stupa in Arunachal Pradesh’s Zemithang.

Zemithang is a village in the Tawang district and is the last administrative division of India on the border with Tibet. It shares its western border with Bhutan. This is also the place where the 14th Dalai Lama had his first rest after fleeing from Tibet in 1959.

The historic Gorsam Kora festival, which showcases the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region, draws pilgrims from both India and Bhutan. The three-day festival started on March 18 and ended on Tuesday.

The 93-foot high Gorsam Chorten Stupa was built in the 13th century AD and is modeled after the Boudhanath Khasti Stupa of Nepal. Thousands of devotees visit during the Gorzam Kora festival to observe the virtuous occasion of the last day of the first month of the lunar calendar.

Local community of Zemithang, assisted by the civil administration and the Indian Army, organised the festival.

The event commenced with an opening prayer by His Eminence Padam Shree Thengtse Rinpoche and prayers at Khinzemane holy tree. It is believed that the Khinzemane holy tree was planted by the 14th Dalai Lama when he came to India in 1959.

The Indian Army conducted various events, including a pipe band and martial dance performance. These were followed by cultural dance performances by locals.

As part of the government’s ‘Vibrant Village Program’, activities were conducted to engage the local population like the Run for ‘Plastic Free Zemithang’, Medical Camp and a trek along the pristine Zemithang Valley.

The festival was attended by numerous pilgrims and Lamas from Bhutan, Tawang and nearby regions.

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Indian Army Deploys More Air Assets Near LAC in Arunachal

The force has recently come up with an aviation brigade in the region after getting more unmanned aircraft ‘Heron I’, chopper ‘ALH Dhruv’ and weaponised attack helicopters ‘Rudra’, reports Sumit Kumar Singh

The Indian Army has enhanced deployment of air assets, including unmanned aircraft, near the borders with China in Arunachal Pradesh region.

The deployments have increased gradually as the Indian Army revamped air fire power at its aviation wings. The force has recently come up with an aviation brigade in the region after getting more unmanned aircraft ‘Heron I’, chopper ‘ALH Dhruv’ and weaponised attack helicopters ‘Rudra’. Earlier, the force aviation wing largely had Cheetah Helicopters

The force have raised the Squadron of indigenously designed and developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-Dhruv). It is a twin engine, multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 ton weight class and is being used for quick mobilisation of troops.

The Army has also raised its first ever dedicated squadron of ‘Rudra’ armed helicopters. Rudra is the first Army Aviation aircraft to add ‘teeth’ to the fleet of Army Aviation with its Mistral air-to-air missiles, 70 mm rockets, 20 mm guns and ATGMs. The ALH(WSI) is a force multiplier for the field force commander with its potent weapons on board. This helicopter will be able to storm the enemy forces and hunt them down when required.

“ALH(WSI) pilot will be like an archer who will strike and kill or injure the enemy from a distance. He will be like a fierce God bringing death and destruction to the enemy,” said a senior Indian Army officer.

The Army Aviation wing recently got Israeli made Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Heron I from Artillery in August.

Corps of Army Aviation’s Lieutenant Colonel Amit Dadhwal said that the aviation wing has evolved from simple fixed wing aircraft with basic avionics to state-of-the-art equipment.

“We have in the rotary platforms today in the form of Cheetah, Advanced Light Helicopters, ALH-Weaponised System Integrated and Light Combat Helicopters,” Lt Col Dadhwal said.

“These Rotary Wing platforms provide us and our leaders and commanders a plethora of capabilities so that we can achieve success in all kinds of operations.”

As the Chinese People’s Liberation Army aggression at the Line of Actual Control, the force has increased frequency of surveillance at the border area to keep a tap on their activities.

“The aircraft since its inception has been the backbone of surveillance. It can climb up to 30,000 ft and continue to give feed to commanders on the ground. So that we can manoeuvre forces on the ground. It has an endurance of 24-30 hours at a stretch,” said Major Karthik Garg.

From Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh, India shares a total of 1,346-km-long LAC with China.

India and China have been engaged in border standoff for the past 18 months.

So far, 13 rounds of top commanders level meetings have taken place and in the last round of talks, which was held on October 10, culminated inconclusive.

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