GUWAHATI, June 19 - Despite opposition by China, the Government of India has decided to go ahead with the infrastructure development projects in Arunachal Pradesh as there is need for development of roads and other infrastructure in the state for the overall development of all sections of people.
Highly placed sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) told The Assam Tribune that the Government�s stand on the issue is very clear and there is no plan to suspend the ongoing schemes. �As far as the Government of India is concerned, Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and we will make our best efforts to develop the State,� sources added.
Sources asserted that the Government of India would continue its development activities as per the priorities fixed by the Central and State Governments and on the availability of funds. Development of infrastructure does not only mean improving the defence preparedness of India but those are beneficial for the people of the state. For example, the people of different areas of Arunachal Pradesh have been suffering because of poor road communication and now the Government has been making efforts to improve road connectivity. India does not consider Arunachal Pradesh as a �disputed territory� and any country is free to develop infrastructure within its own country, sources pointed out.
It may be mentioned here that China has been opposing creation of infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh and even after the inauguration of the Bhupen Hazarika Setu (Dhola-Sadiya bridge) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Chinese official issued a statement �warning� the Government of India to be careful in creation of infrastructure in what the Chinese called the �disputed territory.� China has also been opposing the visits of Prime Minister and Defence Minister to Arunachal Pradesh and in April this year, China opposed the visit of the Dalai Lama to Tawang.
However, MHA sources pointed out that there is nothing new in China issuing such statements. Over the years, China has been issuing such statements. In fact, the last few statements by Chinese officials were not as strong as before and only a section of the media hyped that up, sources claimed. Sources also revealed that though a statement was issued by a Chinese official after the inauguration of the Bhupen Hazarika Setu, no official complaint was lodged by the Chinese Government in this regard. �Such statements by officials of China will not deter the Government of India from creation of infrastructure within our own territory whenever there is need for the same,� sources asserted.
