Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits forward areas in Arunachal and interacts with troops

CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday visited the forward areas in the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh and interacted with the troops deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Singh is on a two-day visit to forwarding areas in eastern Arunachal Pradesh and Assam since Wednesday; Tezpur-based Defence Spokesperson Lt Col A S Walia said.

Singh was accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pande and commander of the eastern command RP Kalita.

Singh's visit takes place at a time when China is upgrading its infrastructure along the border. China refuses to accept India's sovereignty in Arunachal Pradesh and calls it part of South Tibet.

The Defence Minister during the day also visited the military station at Tezpur in Assam.

At Tezpur, Singh was briefed on the operational situation and preparedness of the Corps by Lieutenant General D S Rana, General Officer Commanding of Gajraj Corps.

During his visit, he interacted with the troops and complimented them for high standards of professionalism and dedication towards duty while safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Nation braving harsh weather conditions and inhospitable terrain, the defence spokesperson said.

Taking to Twitter Singh said, "(I) visited the forward areas in Dibang valley of Arunachal Pradesh and interacted with the troops deployed in the region. The Indian Armed Forces personnel go above and beyond in service to the nation."

Later in the afternoon, Singh left for Delhi, the spokesman added.

On Wednesday, Singh visited the military station at Dinjan in the Dibrugarh district of Assam.

The Union Defence Minister was briefed on infrastructure development along the China border in Arunachal Pradesh.

He was also briefed on capability development and operational preparedness in forwarding areas.

Subsequently, the Defence Minister reviewed the operational readiness of the formation in the easternmost part of the country.

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