BOMDILA, June 1: Chief Minister Pema Khandu commemorated the 10th anniversary of the 2 Arunachal Scouts, an esteemed infantry battalion in Bomdila, West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The battalion, established on June 1, 2013, under the leadership of Col Neelesh Anand Pagulwar, has been a source of pride for the state and the nation. During the celebration, Chief Minister Khandu acknowledged the Arunachal Scouts as the flag bearers of Arunachal Pradesh in the Indian Army, emphasizing their close connection to the region.
Chief Minister Khandu expressed heartfelt appreciation for the battalion, noting its significance in fulfilling his late father’s vision. Former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu had ardently advocated for the formation of an Indian Army unit specifically for Arunachal Pradesh, similar to the Ladakh Scouts and the Kumaon Scouts. The establishment of the 1 Arunachal Scouts battalion in 2010 marked the realization of his dream, enabling the youth of the region, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, to join the Indian Army in larger numbers.
As a representative of the Jang-Mukto constituency, located on the Indo-Tibet (China) border in the Tawang sector, Chief Minister Khandu expressed his unwavering respect and confidence in the Indian Army. He regularly visits border outposts in his constituency, engaging with the local population and spending quality time with the dedicated jawans stationed along the border. The sight of Arunachal Pradesh’s youth proudly serving in the Arunachal Scouts fills him with a sense of pride.
Chief Minister Khandu commended the strong bond between the Indian Army units stationed in Arunachal Pradesh and the civilian population. The people of Arunachal Pradesh, known for their patriotism, hold immense respect for the Indian Army, leading to harmonious cooperation in various spheres. Civilian events, including music festivals, indigenous festivals, health camps, and sporting events, receive active participation from the Army. Similarly, the Army’s programs are enriched by the involvement of civilians.
Highlighting the Vibrant Village Program initiated by the central government to develop border villages, Chief Minister Khandu sought the cooperation of the Indian Army and central armed paramilitary forces (CAPF) in its successful implementation. With the Army and CAPFs, such as ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles, stationed along the border, their collaboration is crucial for the ambitious VVP. Chief Minister Khandu assured efforts to enhance connectivity in terms of road and telecommunication infrastructure for troops stationed in challenging terrains. The government has been extending road networks to remote outposts, while over a thousand 4G towers are being installed along the border. Moreover, the construction of approximately 50 small hydropower projects is underway, providing electricity to both nearby villages and Army units under the border village illumination program.
Chief Minister Khandu revealed the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Arunachal Scouts by expanding the number of companies and establishing a dedicated ITBP unit for Arunachal Pradesh. He also appealed to the Army and CAPF units stationed in the state to provide training opportunities to local unemployed youth, equipping them for recruitment drives, including those under the Agniveer program.
The anniversary celebration witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including West Kameng MLAs Phurpa Tsering, Kumsi Sidisow, Dorjee Wangdi Kharma, and
