DyCM flags off Seemanta Darshan Yatra amid reports of China intrusion in State

Staff REPORTER

ITANAGAR, Jan 22: Amid reports that China has constructed a village in Arunachal’s Upper Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Mama Natung flagged off ‘Seemanta Darshan Yatra-2021’, a tour programme to the border villages by Arunachal Vikas Parishad (AVP), in presence of the Chief Minister’s Advisor Tai Tagak, Thrizino MLA Kumsi Sidisow, DGP R P Upadhyaya and other dignitaries here today.

During the Yatra that coincides with the Republic Day, around 400 members of the organization, in groups, will visit 100 border villages in 12 districts across the State from Tawang to Longding. They will hoist the national flag on 26th January at the last border village, distribute Bharat Mata’s photo, and stickers to the villagers in a bid to assert national integration and patriotism.

While wishing the AVP team a success, the Dy Chief Minister said that the development of frontier areas is significant. “Frontier areas need to be developed. Border road is most important. We need to feel the pain of people living along the international border who protect the Indian territory,” he said.

Emphasising on the national integration and patriotism, Mein called upon the young generation to be the torchbearers to preserve, protect and promote the indigenous faith, culture, tradition and languages. He suggested the AVP to submit its report to the state government after the tour programme, assessing the living conditions of the villagers in remote areas.

In his address, Natung said that the Yatra would reassure people living in the remote border areas that we are with them. On China’s incursion issue, Natung asserted that people and youths of Arunachal would stand with India and Indian Army when it comes to national integration.

“Arunachal is an integral part of India, we will not cede even an inch of our land to China,” Natung asserted. “It is a proud moment that Arunachal Vikas Parishad is taking out this Yatra and would hoist the national flag in the border areas. I wish them success,” he said.

The DGP suggested the AVP to rope in representatives of the State Police in such tours for remote areas so that awareness on law and enforcement could be created among the people.