Disengagement process in certain areas along LAC "almost complete": Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the disengagement process in certain areas along LAC was almost complete based on consensus achieved between India and ChinaUnveiling a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and inaugurating the Major Ralengnao Bob Khating Museum of Valour at Tawang Singh referred to the broad consensus achieved by India and China to restore the ground situation in certain areas along the LACIndia and China have been holding talks at both diplomatic and military levels to resolve the differences in some areas along the LAC As a result of the talks a broad consensus was developed on the basis of equal and mutual security The consensus includes the rights of patrolling and grazing in traditional areas he saidBased on this consensus the process of disengagement is almost complete Our efforts will be to take the matter beyond disengagement but for that we will have to wait a little longer he addedSingh who could not travel to Tawang due to inclement weather virtually inaugurated the statue of Patel and the museum from Tezpur in Assams Sonitpur districtThe Defence minister recognised Major Bob Khatings crucial role in establishing Indian administration up to McMahon Line in February 1951 highlighting Tawangs strategic significanceMajor Khathing not only led the peaceful integration of Tawang into India but also established essential military and security frameworks including the Sashastra Seema Bal Nagaland Armed Police and the Naga Regiment The Museum of Valour now stands as a tribute to his bravery and foresight inspiring generations to come he saidSingh commended the Indian Army and local communities for their initiative in creating the museumSingh paid glowing tributes to Sardar Patel acknowledging his instrumental role in unifying over 560 princely states postindependence a feat that stands as a testament to his indomitable resolve and commitment to a unified IndiaThis statue Desh Ka Vallabh will inspire people reminding them of the strength in unity and the unwavering spirit required to build a nation as diverse as ours he saidThe Defence minister underscored the significance of unity and harmony and the NorthEasts unique role in the nations identity He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of ensuring economic and infrastructure development of the entire regionHolistic development of the nation is possible only when the North East prospers We will create such a North East which is strong and prosperous not only naturally and culturally but also economically he addedSingh also highlighted the crucial role of Border Roads Organisation BRO in the progress of the region He made special mention of the Sela tunnel linking Assam and Tawang a project which enhances connectivity across Northeast regionsIn the times to come the Arunachal Frontier Highway project will play a major role in connecting the entire North East region especially the border areas This 2000km long highway will prove to be an important strategic and economic asset for the region as well as the entire nation he saidSingh further commended the Armed Forces engagement in the region from NCC initiatives and local economic support to crucial disaster relief effortsArmed Forces not only provide security but also become a medium for development in that region by cooperating with the people of the border areas This further strengthens Indias commitment to ensuring development peace and security in the Northeast he saidArunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik Retd Chief Minister Pema Khandu Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi GOCin C Eastern Command Lt Gen RC Tewari 4 Corps GOC Lt Gen Gambhir Singh and other senior civil and military officials attended the event at TawangAfter inaugurating the statue and museum virtually from Tezpur the Defence minister returned to the national capital on Thursday winding up his twoday visit to Gajraj Corps headquarters at Tezpur an official spokesperson saidSingh whose tour was originally scheduled for Arunachal Pradeshs Tawang could not visit the border state due to inclement weather the Defence spokesperson addedThe Defence minister has returned to New Delhi by an Indian Air Force flight at around 11 am he saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever