Northeast Desk, 22nd October: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to embark on a significant visit to the forward areas situated along the Line of Actual Control, where he will engage with the troops stationed in Arunachal Pradesh. According to reliable sources, the visit is scheduled to include a stop at the Tawang War Memorial in Arunachal Pradesh, where he will perform the Shastra Puja alongside Indian Army personnel on October 24, 2023, coinciding with Vijayadashami.
This visit carries particular significance as it aligns with India’s extensive infrastructure development efforts in the eastern sector, which have drawn frequent objections from China concerning India’s developmental initiatives on its territory. Additionally, the nearing completion of the Sela (Dzela) tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, a pivotal component of the state’s strategic development, further underscores the importance of this visit.
Rajnath Singh’s presence in Arunachal Pradesh for Dussehra is of notable significance, marking his first time spending the holiday with troops in this region. Although both Prime Minister Modi and Minister Singh have previously celebrated such occasions with soldiers at various locations, the majority of these visits have taken place along the western and northern borders.