Tawang strategically important place: Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said the picturesque Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh bordering China was a very important place strategically.

“Tawang is a very important place from both religious and strategic points of view. It reminds us of the 1962 Indo-China war,” the minister said while assuring all possible help from her side for development of the border district, an official communique informed.

The minister, accompanied by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju reached Tawang today to attend a special programme at Lumla tomorrow on the occasion of Rakshabandhan.

During the programme, which is an attempt on the part of the Centre to connect with borders and its forces, the minister would be tying rakhi to the Jawans of the Indian Army.

The ministers, accompanied by Tawang MLA Tsering Tashi, DC and SP visited Tawang War Memorial and Tawang Monastery and later interacted with the heads of departments and public leaders.

During the meeting, the MLA and the DC apprised the visiting ministers of the fragile topography of the area that has resulted in numerous landslides in the recent months causing loss of lives and properties due to which many villagers had to be shifted to safer locations.

Further, highlighting on the present road condition in border areas, the MLA informed that the road has badly hampered the inflow of tourists and also reflected on the difficulties faced in evacuating the passengers/patients during emergency.

Rijiju, while taking note of the problems said that an inspection of the BRO road from Dirang to Tawang would soon be conducted accompanied by the DG, BRO and that he would also look into the widening of road from Tenga to Pinji Bridge under Bhalukpong circle.

He said that in spite of hurdles he would also press for early clearance of Lumla-Tashigang road via Bhutan.

Rijiju while informing about the steps being taken for restoration of the damages caused by the landslides further added that long-term planning which is the need of the hour would be taken into account, the communique added.