Itanagar: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday underscored the need to accelerate land acquisition in Arunachal Pradesh to facilitate the timely completion of key defence infrastructure projects.
During a meeting with Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) at Raj Bhavan, General Dwivedi also pressed for the establishment of Zilla Sainik Boards in the state, saying they would provide essential support to ex-servicemen and their families.
Expressing concern over the limited representation of Arunachali youth in the armed forces, the Army Chief called for greater awareness and guidance to motivate more young people to pursue military careers.
Governor Parnaik, responding to the concerns, highlighted the importance of adopting a collaborative and people-centric approach in implementing the Vibrant Village Programme.
He said the initiative could succeed only through coordinated efforts involving the government, local communities, and security forces.
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The governor praised the Army’s close engagement with border populations, noting its ability to transform remote villages into hubs of opportunity and national pride.
He also commended the armed forces for their initiatives in pre-recruitment training, facilitating admissions to Sainik Schools, and carrying out Sadbhavana projects that instil discipline and self-reliance among youth.
Parnaik further lauded the Army’s professionalism, operational readiness, and humanitarian role, pointing out its consistent support to the people of Arunachal alongside its core mandate of national security.
