Background: While India considers Mcmohan line is the ultimate border mark to be abided by for territorial sovereignty and border security, China never accepts the similar position. Due to this major disagreement both India and China have been indulged with border disputes from time to time. Be Doklam face off and intrusion in easternmost part of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, China have been violating Panchaseel doctrine and International agreements. 1962 war was the outcome of Chinese aggression and policy of China’s modern aggrandisement. To improve the atmosphere between both nations infrastrucal advancement and efficient communication along border line is crucial for minimising border disputes.
Armed forces of India, being vocal and reiterated ‘border infrastructure’ for ensuring all weather connectivity in the region. Besides, this is beneficial not for defence sector but for scant population living there who are untouched by mainstream facilities.
Image source: India Today
Voice of Defence personnel regarding border security:
Eastern Army Commander ‘Lt General Rana Pratap Kalita’ recently briefed media soon India will be able to compete with China with respect to infrastructural enhancement along the border lines between two countries for ensuring border security.
He asserted that that within two years from Indian side infrastructural improvement could be seen and in the last decade, a lot of focus has been on infrastructural enhancement and rooting for a fast accomplishment in upcoming years.
China’s PLA (People Liberation Army) is running border infrastructure at competitive level yet India is choosing its ground to match the level within short span of time. There are multiple projects are been driving by India’s defence sector to procure road construction, building helipads and digital infrastructure in the sensitive regions.
Lt General Kalita is likely to be retired on December 31, is been closely assessing the ground situations of border areas of Sikkim and Arunachal region. According to him, PLA has ample edge over India as well as infrastructure in specific parts is concerned whereas, India has to face a tremendous cost because of tricky terrain.
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Border Infrastructure for multipurpose use:
Both civil and military accessibility is essential when we discuss about the advantages to be offered. Kalita further linked infrastructure with multifaceted benefits including airways, rail and road ways for passenger as well as logistical transportation.Meanwhile, in this digital era mobile or data communication is the utmost key area to be undertaken seriously.
Ecological vulnerability in border region:
The border area is subjected to unprecedented natural catastrophe such as, earthquake, snowslide, flash flood by glacial melting cloud outburst and avalanches owing to its sensitive ecology. Hence, emphasising upon helipads and ALG(advanced landing grounds) to connect remotest part is imperative before building construction randomly without examining the environment friendly alternatives.
Image Source: ANI News
Offering opportunities to local inhabitants living Indian territory:
Empowering locals to strengthen their living standards so that they don’t feel neglected and can live their life while operating their occupation from these far-flung areas. Kalita stressed upon plans are afoot to provide optional road connectivity in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Unlikely, north Sikkim was separated after flash food in Teesta river on October and faced an immense loss and devastation. Several parts of Singtam, Sikkim were washed away , which shares boredr with China, Nepal and Bhutan.
Identification of critical spots for reducing face off:
He pressed on identifying vulnerable zones along India and China for neutralising further conflicts between both nations. Minor tension could be suppressed from turning into uglier clashes with the cooperation of Indian Army and PLA of China.
In conclusion, India has wide and deep economical relationship with China but border stress remains a disturbing factor between both country. Therefore, both country must come forward to settle their unsettled issues amicably without costing their shared developmental goal.
