ITANAGAR, Feb 20 (IANS): Defence Minister A.K. Antony Monday launched the five-day silver jubilee celebrations of Arunachal Pradesh's statehood, promising all assistance for development of the strategic border state.
Addressing a large gathering at the Indira Gandhi Park here, Antony, donning a traditional Arunachali dress and headgear, stressed the state's geo-strategic importance to India, and said the central government will leave no effort to develop the border and interior areas of the state.
Improvement of accessibility and infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh is the topmost priority of the central government due to its "highly sensitive" location, he said.
Besides a show of colourful folk dance and music programmes, the day's celebration was marked by an air show by the Sukhoi-30 aircraft of the Indian Air Force and various stunts by the Tornado team of the Indian Army.
