Khandu urges GOC to maintain cordial relation with people

Itanagar, Aug 03 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has called upon the Army to maintain a cordial relation with people and work for the uplift the state.

While interacting with 5 Mountain Division General Officer in Command Maj Gen D S Sidhu here, Mr Khandu had asked the GOC to give a blanket order to all his personnel against deforestation.

He also highlighted on tourism potentials and initiatives in the state.

Stressing on relaxation in job recruitments of the tribal candidates, Mr Khandu disclosed that he is going to take up the matter with the Prime Minister, Defence and Home ministers.

He also expressed his concern on the wages of labourers working under BRO and GREF in high altitudes.

During the discussion, Maj Gen Siddhu requested the chief minister for allotment of land for army establishment, power supply and joint effort to improve road communication.

He also proposed for requisition of state transport buses for army and procurement of green vegetables and horticultural produces from local farmers and to look into matters related to entry tax and VAT.

Mr Khandu also said, ''We have abundant agri and horticultural produce in the state to meet the entire army requirement in the NE and we can provide it at reasonable rates.'' He also encouraged entrepreneurship in farming sector adding that it could give an economic boost to the rural populace.

The Army Chief of Western Sector of the state had also urged the chief minister for his personal intervention to expedite the process for establishment of National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS) at Rupa in West Kameng district.

The proposal for the institute was initiated in 2003.

UNI