Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday visited the Army Division Headquarters at Rupa in West Kameng district of the State and had an informal meeting with Lt Gen Gurpal Singh Sangha, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Frontier Gajraj Corps (4 Corps).
Also present were GOC 5 Mountain Division Rajesh Kumar Jha, Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly and local legislator T N Thongdok and Advisor to CM Japu Deru.
Khandu had detailed discussion on various issues related to Army establishments and welfare measures for the ex-servicemen.
While expressing gratitude to the State Government for its support and cooperation to the Indian Army, the GOC requested the government to have a re-look at the land compensation rates, which he felt was on the higher side.
Assuring Army’s cooperation and help in execution and completion of all defence roads, the GOC sought government’s support in obtaining clearances from various departments.
The Chief Minister appreciated the Army for maintaining a cordial relationship with civilians in the State and assured all out cooperation in all defence and defence personnel related matters.
On request, he assured active functioning of the Rajya Sainik Board to look after the welfare of ex-servicemen.
He said that DCs would be delegated to issue ex-servicemen identity cards for easy access.
He also assured to establish an Ex Servicemen Cell at Bomdila along with a Sainik Aaram Ghar in view of the huge presence of the Army in the region besides huge number of locals serving in the Army.
Meanwhile, the GOC requested the government to look out for means to strengthen the Arunachal Scouts by allotting land for establishing required infrastructure.
He also sought ways to facilitate longer duration of land lease for defence purposes.