Global media to watch Antony's visit

Itanagar, Feb 19 (ANI): Defence Minister AK Antony is scheduled to arrive here on a two-day trip to attend the golden jubilee of Statehood Day on February 19.

Antony is expected to review the border situation from all angles, from military build-up to road development with the high-ranking defence officers. Of the total 3,500-km border India shares with China, 1,080-km touches Arunachal Pradesh.

Any statement which Defence Minister Antony makes, after getting first hand feedback from the army top brass and state Governor JJ Singh, a former Army chief, particularly from nation's security view point, will be watched by the global media particularly Beijing.

Antony had made his maiden tour to the state (Tawang) in April 2008.

Anthony, in a written reply to questions from Rajya Sabha members, had said: "On July 13 this year, a PLA patrol attempted to cross a 200 feet wall of loose stones constructed 250 metres on our side of LAC in Yangtse area of Tawang, which was prevented by our troops. The stone wall was partially damaged by PLA, which has been reconstructed."

After drawing Anthony's attention on the slow progress of BRO road work in his office on January 13. Arunachal's Planning, Finance and PWD Minister Chowna Mein sent another letter to him recently expressing his disappointment.

Addressing jawans at Tawang on April 6, 2008, Antony had said 'infrastructure development in the Northeast is now a top priority for the Government of India. Infrastructure development in the NE would not only contribute to the security of the nation but also accelerate the growth process of this vital region.

'In the past, required attention was not given to this region. There is no point in finding fault with anybody. It's our topmost priority now to develop infrastructure in the North- East', said Anthony.

Antony, who was accompanied by the then Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor, Defence secretary, Vijay Singh and other senior officials of the ministry had reiterated GoI's commitment to the modernization of the Armed Forces.

'Our overall objective is to provide you (Armed Forces personnel) with the latest equipment so that our Armed Forces continue to be one of the best in the world. Our endeavour will be to ensure an all-round welfare of Armed Forces personnel and their families. I wish to assure you that we will do whatever is humanly possible to give you the best', he had added. By Pradeep Kumar (ANI)