The Centre is likely to accept the demand of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for raising of four battalions of 'Arunachal Scouts' for better security along the international border with China. The State Government has also demanded a "green bonus" from the Centre to make up for the losses suffered by the State following the ban on sale of forest produce.
Talking to The Assam Tribune from New Delhi today, Member of Parliament from Arunachal (West) constituency, Takam Sanjoy said that as per the proposal of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, such a force would be beneficial for the country in improving vigil along the international border with China. He pointed out that the local people are acclimatized with the rough weather condition along the international border and they also know the ground situation. He said that the Arunachal Government wants the battalions to be raised on the lines of Ladakh Scouts, which is doing commendable job in assisting the Army in maintaining vigil along the international border. He said that the Centre is likely to accept the proposal shortly.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu recently met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram along with Sanjoy and the Arunachal (East) MP Nimong Ering and raised a series of demands a main one of which is immediate steps for the development of the areas bordering China.
Sanjoy said that Arunachal Pradesh has around 1,080 kilometres of international border with China and it is vital for the development of the border areas in the interest of security of India. He said that the roads and foot tracks along the international border should be improved immediately to facilitate free movement of the troops. The Arunachal Pradesh Government also demanded setting up of a base of the Indian Air Force in Arunachal Pradesh.
Sanjoy said that the Arunachal Chief Minister and the MPs called upon the Prime Minister to provide a "green fund" to the State to enable it to make up for the losses suffered following the ban on sale of forest produce. He revealed that before the imposition of the ban on sale of forest produce, the State was getting royalties amounting to around Rs 75 crore a year from trade in forest produce. He said that following the ban on sale of forest produce, the Centre has imposed a cess, in addition to duty on import of timber and with Arunachal Pradesh having around 80 percent forest cover, should get a "green bonus" from the Centre.
The Arunachal Chief Minister and the MPs called upon the Union Home Minister to take effective steps to deal with the situation in the districts of Tirap and Changlang and demanded that additional Army personnel and Central forces should be deployed in the area to bring the situation under control.
Sanjoy said that the situation in the districts of Tirap and Changlang was a matter of concern because of the activities of underground elements of the neighbouring States. The members of the underground groups even intimidated the local people and extorted money from the people of the area. The Centre must extend helping hand to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to deal with the problem immediately. He further said that members of some militant groups, which are under a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India, are also active in Tirap and Changlang districts and appealed to them to refrain from causing any disturbance in the peaceful State of Arunachal Pradesh.
Assam Tribune / 5 July 2009
