Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, 12 October, inaugurated 44 bridges, reported PTI.
The bridges have been built in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab.
Taking part in the online inauguration event, Singh, according to PTI, accused Pakistan and China of being on a “mission” to cause disputes along the border.
“You are well aware of the situation created along our northern and eastern borders. First Pakistan, and now also by China, as if a border dispute is being created under a mission. We have a border of about 7,000 km with these countries, where the tension remains.”Rajnath Singh, according to PTI
According to PTI, Singh said that India, under the “visionary” leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was both facing the crisis strongly.
Singh also symbolically launched the Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, reported PTI.
According to officials, the purpose of these bridges is to make movement more convenient for the armed forces in strategically important areas. The Defence Minister also suggested that the bridges would benefit civilians, as well, reported PTI.
Rajnath Singh also expressed his appreciation for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) which completed the construction of bridges, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The construction of bridges comes amid India’s stand-off with China in eastern Ladakh.
“Our armed forces personnel are deployed in large numbers in areas where transport is not available throughout the year… These roads are not only for strategic needs, but they also reflect equal participation of all stakeholders in the development of the nation.”Rajnath Singh, according to PTI.
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