By IANS
Lohitpur (Arunachal Pradesh) : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday announced a Rs.9 million package for infrastructure development and communication links for soldiers located in forward posts along the country’s border with China in this state.
“The Indian Army plays an important role in the world. There has been considerable improvement in our army due to technological advancement. The transit facilities for troops needs improvement and a package of Rs.6 million is announced for improving transit facilities at Dehan, Siang, Siyom, Likabali and Missamari (all forward posts),” the prime minister told soldiers at Lohitpur, a border post in Arunachal Pradesh.
Singh also announced Rs.3 million for providing satellite telephone service for soldiers located at high altitudes. “The communication facilities need improvement as it is very difficult for troops to speak to their relatives. A package of Rs.30 lakhs (Rs.3 million) is announced for improving satellite communication facility in the valleys of Subansiri, Siang, Lohit and Dibang,” the prime minister said.
Singh said India was prepared to meet any challenge although he refrained from spelling out what the challenges were.
“Today, we are ready to face any challenge. It is mandatory to make our nation strong to maintain peace,” he said.
The prime minister left for New Delhi Friday afternoon wrapping up his two-day visit to the frontier state.