Army seeks Arunachal govt's help in counter-insurgency ops

General officer Commanding (GoC) of 2 Mountain Division, Major General Gajinder Singh today sought the intervention of Arunachal Pradesh government in facilitating coordination between the state police, central para-military forces and the army in counter-insurgency operations along the inter-state boundary, an official communique said.

Maj Gen Singh, who heads the Division based at Dinjan in Assams Tinsukia district bordering Arunachal Pradesh, held a meeting here with Chief Minister Pema Khandu during the day and discussed issues related to army presence and its activities in the eastern parts of the state, it said.

He said intelligence sharing and logistic support from the state machinery is of utmost necessity for successful operations for tackling cross-border insurgency.

The GoC assured the chief minister that the Army is committed to welfare and safety of civilians during operations and is ready to lend its assistance for welfare measures through medical camps, pre-recruitment trainings and other exercises, the communique said.

Khandu assured the GoC that the state government gave top-most priority to safety and security of its citizens and is committed to cooperate with the army in all its endeavours.

He appreciated the 2 Mountain Division for conducting the first recruitment rally at Jairampur in Changlang district and hoped that more would follow, specially in Tirap, Changlang and Longding, it said.

To requests of the GoC on camping facilities, firing ranges and land acquisition, the chief minister assured that the issues would be taken up with the concerned officials and resolved, the communique said.

He requested Singh to take up more extensive programmes for locals that would not only benefit them but also work as a confidence building measure.

We are proud of the Indian Army and are always ready to be of any help," the communique quoted the chief minister as saying.