India Completes Road Connectivity To Yangtse Sector Along Two Axes: CM Pema Khandu

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that road connectivity has been completed along two axes, allowing for immediate reinforcements in the event of a need in reference to the Yangtse sector,

Khandu attended the 11th Raising Day of the Indian Army's 11 Para (Special Forces) unit at Missamari Army Station.

Speaking on the occasion, Khandu praised the Para units' expertise, professionalism and bravery, saying they have become an integral part of the Army for special operations.

Khandu praised the Indian Army for its presence along the international border with China, which runs from one end of Arunachal Pradesh to the other, despite the harsh weather and geography.

“As my assembly constituency consists of one of the hardest stretches of the border, I make it a point that at least once a year I visit all the border outposts. With a smile, I salute the Army for successfully defending our borders despite extreme conditions. Every time I meet the jawans in the outposts, their 'josh' is always high,” Khandu explained.

He went on to say that the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greatly improved road connectivity in recent years.

In reference to the Yangtse sector, he said that road connectivity has been completed along two axes, allowing for immediate reinforcements in the event of a need.

“With the recent sanctioning of the Frontier Highway by MoRTH, connectivity along the border will become seamless, facilitating movement of both our forces and civilians,” he said.

Khandu emphasised that the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly those living in border districts, have a warm relationship with the Indian Army.

“We are known as the 'Jai Hind' land. Our people are staunch patriots who have enormous respect for the Indian Army,” he said.

The Chief Minister assured that the state government is always willing to help and cooperate with the 11 Para and that if needed, it will provide infrastructure or other assistance.

On the occasion, Khandu honoured the 'Veernaris,' the families of two soldiers who died in the line of duty.

The Chief Minister also inspected advanced equipment used by the Para unit and spoke with soldiers and their families.

On 1 February 2011, the 11 Para (Special Forces) was raised in Agra as part of the Army Hq Res deployment in the Eastern theatre. On 1 April 2012, the battalion was inducted into Eastern Command at Umroi Military Station. Later, on 1 March 2016, it was absorbed into 4 Corps Hq and relocated to Lama Camp, Missamari. In January 2021, the Battalion relocated to its permanent location at Missamari Military Station.

On 23 February 2022, the Battalion received regimental colours.

It has previously carried out successful operations such as Op Hifazat (Manipur), Op Rhino (Assam), Op Falcon (Arunachal Pradesh), Op Snow Leopard (Arunachal Pradesh), and Op Orchid (Arunachal Pradesh) (Arunachal Pradesh).

The 11 Para SF, also known as the 'Vipers,' specialises in jungle warfare and counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.

There are areas of differing perception along the LAC in the Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh, where both sides patrol the area up to their claim lines. Since 2006, this has been the trend.

On 9 December, PLA troops made contact with the LAC in Tawang Sector, which was fiercely contested by their own troops. This clash resulted in minor injuries to a few personnel on both sides. Both parties immediately left the area.