Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has asked for a special development package from the Centre for backward and insurgency-hit Tirap, Changlang and Longding (TCL) districts bordering Myanmar to create opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.
In a submission made before the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, the chief minister mentioned that Significant portion of population of the TCL districts was also engaged in illegal opium production and trade which needed to be tackled aggressively using a two-pronged strategy of setting up de-addiction centres and skill development centres.
It may be mentioned that these three districts are used by militants groups from Assam, Nagaland and Manipur as a transit route to Myanmar and the people of the three districts often have to suffer because of clashes taking place between the insurgents and India security forces.
Since the terrain of TCL districts was good for cash crops, Spice Board of India and Krishi Vigyan Kendra might be advised to open their offices in these 3 districts, said the Chief Minister.
He informed that state government has prepared a proposal of around Rs 985 Crore as a fresh special package for TCL districts and requested the home ministry to consider the new proposal favourably.
The Chief Minister also suggested to take adequate steps to prevent migration from the border areas and sought central assistances for rapid economic development of the border areas along the Indo-Myanmar border.
He emphasized that trade between India and Myanmar needed be encouraged and more border haats be opened for the purpose. He apprised the Union Home Minister about a MoU that was signed in the year 2012 between India and Myanmar for establishment of Border Haats along the Indo-Myanmar Border to facilitate border trade, which included one at Nampong (Pangsau pass) in Arunachal.
Urging for strengthening and modernization of police force in Arunachal Pradesh , Khandu proposed for setting up of a Forensic Science Laboratory in the state in one of the three districts of TCL.
He also requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to approve of construction and upgradation of 20 Police Station buildings and other infrastructural facilities under a special package for TCL districts.