Army Top Brass Meet State Leadership, Pledge Enhanced Role in Arunachal’s Development

In a high-level meeting held recently, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, along with senior army officers, met with Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh to reaffirm the Indian Army’s commitment to the state’s development and security. The discussions focused on civil-military cooperation, infrastructure development in border areas, and steps to improve connectivity and resilience in strategically sensitive zones. Arunachal Pradesh, due to its geography and proximity to international borders, often faces challenges of accessibility, communication, and infrastructure. During the meeting, officials discussed ways the Army can support in developing roads, bridges, and supply routes, in addition to ongoing security responsibilities. Proposals included collaborating on projects that link remote villages to the state road network, improving airstrips, and upgrading military and civilian logistic chains. Another area of emphasis was disaster preparedness and management. Since Arunachal often experiences landslides, heavy rains, and occasional seismic activity, the Army offered technical and manpower support for relief operations and rapid response systems. The state government welcomed this, pointing out that coordinated disaster response is critical in hilly terrains where terrain and weather can cut off communities at short notice. Connectivity issues were also central. The state leadership and army discussed bolstering digital infrastructure, better communication networks in remote sectors, and possibly deploying additional forward patrol posts in sensitive border zones. Strengthening telecom, improving power supply to remote border outposts, and ensuring reliable transport in monsoon-affected periods were flagged as urgent needs. Health and education were not left out. Plans were mooted for Army-assisted medical camps, mobile medical units, and partnerships in setting up or upgrading schools in remote sectors. The goal is to ensure basic services reach communities in border and difficult terrain areas without delay. While the meeting reaffirmed security priorities, both sides stressed that development is inseparable from safety. Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that enhancing livelihoods, connectivity, and quality of life in remote parts will reduce vulnerabilities. The Governor echoed this view, calling for a whole-of-government approach that includes defence, home, and developmental departments working in sync. In conclusion, the meeting marks a renewed push for closer collaboration between the state government and the Indian Army in Arunachal Pradesh — not just in defence, but in infrastructure, disaster relief, and public service delivery. The leadership says they are optimistic that with proper coordination and resource allocation, these efforts will yield tangible improvement in connectivity, security, and the lives of people in remote border areas.