Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that a broad consensus has been achieved by India and China to restore the ground situation in certain areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
"India and China have been holding talks at both diplomatic and military levels to resolve the differences in some areas along the LAC.
As a result of the talks, a broad consensus was developed on the basis of equal and mutual security. The consensus includes the rights of patrolling and grazing in traditional areas. Based on this consensus, the process of disengagement is almost complete."
Our efforts would be to take the matter beyond disengagement, but for that, we will have to wait a little longer, Defence Minister said after virtually dedicating to the nation 'Desh ka Vallabh' statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Major Ralengnao 'Bob' Khathing 'Museum of Valour' at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
He started from the Headquarters of 4 Corps, Assam in Tezpur, and the weather being uncooperative, could not visit Tawang.
This ceremony took place along with 'Diwali', a festival of lights, and 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' as every year 31 October is remembered by India on the birthday anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel the first Deputy Prime Minister of India and Home Minister of India.
The Minister, referring to him as the 'Iron Man of India', gave glowing tributes to Sardar Patel and described his role as instrumental in unifying over 560 princely states after India's independence. That effort stands testament to the indomitable resolve and commitment to a unified India.
"This Desh Ka Vallabh statue will inspire and remind people that strength comes from unity, and building a nation that is this diverse requires so much of unwavering spirit and character," said the minister.
The defence minister paid his tributes to one extraordinary figure and Major Bob Khathing by making unparalleled contributions to this northeast corner of the nation and towards national security.
Major Khathing not only led the peaceful integration of Tawang into India but also laid down the very strong foundations of military and security set-ups, such as the Sashastra Seema Bal, Nagaland Armed Police, and the Naga Regiment. The 'Museum of Valour' stands today as a testimonial to his bravery and farsightedness to inspire generations to come," he said.
He again reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to make the entire region economically and infrastructurally developed.
"Sustainable development of a nation is possible only when the Northeast prospers. We will create such a Northeast which is strong and prosperous not only naturally and culturally but also economically," he added.
He underlined the significance of the Border Roads Organisation for the growth of the region and he mentioned specially the Sela Tunnel connecting Assam and Tawang, being a project enhancing connectivity across Northeast regions.
In the days ahead, the Arunachal Frontier Highway project will go a long way in linking the entire Northeast region, especially the border areas. The 2,000-km long highway will become an important strategic and economic asset for the region as well as the entire nation, he added.
He even appreciated the efforts of Armed Forces in that region with NCC initiatives, and local economic support as well as crucial disaster relief.
"As Armed Forces do not provide security only, but rather become a means for the development of that area also by collaborating with the locals of the bordering region. This would also bolster India's dedication towards that region of the country - Northeast India- in regards to its pursuit for making such a region not only development-friendly but peaceful as well as secure, " Singh said.
Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) and Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh were present along with Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Chowna Mein. The family of Major Bob Khathing was also on the site of the inauguration.
Defence Minister inducted the Bofors 155-mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command Lt Gen R.C. Tewari, GOC 4 Corps Lt Gen Gambhir Singh among other high-ranking civil and military personnel joined the online event also.
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