Connectivity—air and surface in the frontier state has been the core of attention ever since the BJP-led NDA government came to power at the Centre. While sceptics may question if the media blitzkrieg has actually resulted in any real result on the ground, the fact is, ordinary citizens who have been at the receiving end of the pathetic communication has not much to complain. Finally, at least it is gaining some traction as opposed to the times when the non-existent communication didn’t even qualify as a fit enough issue to be addressed.

Signaling the Centre’s determination to develop this strategic state, the Indian Railways recently gave the go-ahead to bring Tawang near the China border under the rail map. Not to mention the highly ambitious nature of the project given the daunting task of negotiating the steep Eastern Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh, it also sends across a strong and clear message that this eastern most claimed by China as part of South Tibet is an integral part of India.

When complete this will not just be an engineering marvel but also because of its strategic location, India’s defence preparedness will be at its most advantageous.

Likewise, three more, the Tezpur-Tenga-Tawang (378km), Pasighat-Tezu-Rupai (227 km) and North Lakhimpur-Bame-Silapathar (249km) are on the cards. Furthermore, many Advanced Landing Grounds have also been operationalised at strategic locations, with few of them doubling up for civilian use.

Despite its strategic location, the bane of Arunachal has been its poor roads. In absence of good roads and railways, India’s defence preparedness was always questioned simultaneously the local population remained outside the purview of real development. 

However, remaining in a secure cocoon for ages, the indigenous population is also plagued with fear that development may be at the cost of something even more important to them— their identity. The concern of deteriorating law and order, being outnumbered in their own land are worries which are not far from irrational.

But how long can we shun development? At some point Arunachal will have to take a calculated risk. With stringent checks in place authorities can to a great extent minimize and contain challenges if and when they do arise.

Arunachal has remained isolated for decades mostly because of our fear of migrants invading our land and tilting the social fabric. However, in today’s context, can we afford to do so indefinitely is an uncomfortable question we need to ask ourselves?

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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