PM reaffirms Centre's commitment to development in Arunachal

Itanagar, Jan 31 (UNI) Reaffirming that ''Arunachal Pradesh is our land of rising sun'', Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today announced a Rs 8000 crore bonanza for executing various developmental projects in the state.

Addressing a public meeting here, Dr Singh said, ''The sun kisses India first in Arunachal Pradesh. It is our land of rising sun.

Arunachal Pradesh will rise from the east as a new star and become one of the best regions of our country. '' ''New Delhi is not far from the hearts of the people of the state, and his government has accorded the highest priority to its uplift,'' he added.

Dr Singh expressed confidence that the North Eastern states would emerge as one of the best regions of the country.

The Prime Minister announced launching of several schemes, including two power projects at Pare and Dibang, and provision of electricity to every household in the state.

Underlining that a strategy had been evolved by the Centre for all-round development of the state, Dr Singh said thrust would be on establishing rail, road and air connectivity, development of infrastructure and furthering education and healthcare facilities.

The Prime Minister also announced that the state would get a new greenfield airport in Itanagar besides airports at Pasighat, Along, Daporijo, Ziro and Tezu.

Dr Singh noted that a direct helicopter service between Guwahati and Tawang would also begin soon, and announced a trans-Arunachal highway, a drinking water scheme and a new secretariat building.

Observing that steps would be taken by the Centre in accordance with its broad strategy, the Prime Minister said, '' It is only through these measures and through all-round development of Arunachal Pradesh that we can ensure that the nation moves ahead in steps towards a glorious future. '' MORE UNI UPB SJC 1951