Govt committed to bolstering border infrastructure: Rajnath

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SME Times News Bureau | 21 Oct, 2019

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has reiterated the Government's unwavering commitment to bolster border infrastructure to effectively deal with any threats that undermine the peace and tranquillity in the country.

He was inaugurating strategically important ‘Col Chewang Rinchen Setu’, a bridge built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) over River Shyok, connecting Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in Eastern Ladakh, on Monday.

"Keeping in view the current security situation, strengthening our borders is the need of the hour. Border area development is an integral part of our Government’s plan and this bridge is a part of that strategy", Singh said.

He added, "India shares cordial relations with China. There are perceptional differences between both the countries on the boundary issue but the issue has been handled with great maturity and responsibly. Both the countries have not allowed the situation to escalate or go out of hand."

The Raksha Mantri added, "Kashmir is India's internal and integral matter. Even the Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping did not mention Kashmir in his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mahabalipuram. China’s recent statement for action against terror is also significant."

He said, with the decision to make Ladakh a separate Union Territory, the Government has fulfilled the long-pending demand of the people, which will open new doors of development in the region.

"Like the rest of the country, Ladakh will now become a destination for investment. There will also be a boost in revenue generation and employment opportunities for local people", he added.

Singh said, abrogation of Article 370 will put an end to terrorism and separatism which, since independence, has led to the killing of thousands of innocent people. He said, the decision will strengthen human rights and help in empowering women of the area.

He termed connectivity as one of the most important aspects of development adding that new avenues can be opened through people-to-people contact.

Saying that BRO is utilising over Rs 900 crore for the development of Ladakh, Raksha Mantri expressed confidence that the region will soon become a hub for not only domestic but foreign tourists as well. He complimented BRO for constructing 1,200 kms of roads in financial year 2018-19.