HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, June 23: The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 56 Infantry Division, Major General Vivek Bakshi, called on Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General KT Parnaik (Retd), PVSM, UYSM, YSM, at Raj Bhavan here on Monday in a high-level meeting that underscored the strategic importance of the state’s frontier areas.
The discussion centred on key issues ranging from border security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to broader themes of civil-military cooperation, youth engagement, disaster preparedness, and welfare measures for ex-servicemen and Veer Naris (war widows).
According to an official statement, the Governor appreciated the Indian Army’s professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the sensitive border areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
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He expressed full confidence in the Army’s operational readiness to handle challenges along the LAC and highlighted the pivotal role the armed forces play in preserving national integrity and regional stability.
Governor Parnaik, himself a former Army officer with vast operational experience, reiterated the significance of coordinated efforts between the military and the civil administration, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh’s remote and vulnerable regions.
He noted that the challenges in such terrains require a concerted approach involving both armed forces and civil authorities to ensure infrastructure development, timely disaster response, and public welfare outreach.
The Governor also spoke extensively about government initiatives such as the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to bolster development in border settlements.
He emphasised that schemes like these have transformative potential when supported by military-civil collaboration.
The Governor highlighted successful examples of joint efforts, such as road construction in inaccessible areas, flood and landslide response mechanisms, and community service drives undertaken by Army formations in coordination with district administrations.
The meeting also gave special attention to the welfare of veterans and Veer Naris residing in Arunachal Pradesh.
Parnaik, who has been actively participating in ex-servicemen rallies across the state, proposed that the Indian Army, in coordination with civil agencies, organise regular job fairs, medical camps, pension enrolment and verification drives, and awareness campaigns in far-flung districts.
He pointed out that such activities are vital for improving access to services and benefits for retired personnel and their families, many of whom live in difficult-to-reach areas.
A significant segment of the discussion centred on youth engagement, a subject the Governor stressed with urgency and optimism.
He urged the Indian Army to take a more proactive role in inspiring and mentoring the youth of Arunachal Pradesh by organising motivational talks in schools, career awareness programmes, and regular interactions to familiarise students with opportunities in the armed forces.
He observed that such engagement not only opens new horizons for the younger generation but also helps instil values of discipline, responsibility, and patriotism.
The Governor suggested that outreach efforts focused on youth, particularly in the rural and border belts, would play a key role in fostering national integration and building a sense of belonging among young citizens.
He noted that military personnel, with their sense of duty and experience, are ideally positioned to serve as role models for aspiring students.
Responding to the Governor’s proposals, Major General Bakshi assured him of the Indian Army’s continued commitment to working closely with the state government in achieving shared objectives of security, development, and social upliftment.
The GOC emphasised the Indian Army’s readiness to assist civil agencies wherever needed and expressed appreciation for the Governor’s continued guidance and encouragement.
The meeting concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the existing synergy between the armed forces and the civilian administration in Arunachal Pradesh.
Both leaders expressed confidence that sustained collaboration will lead not only to enhanced border security but also to meaningful development in some of India’s most strategic yet underserved regions.
The interaction between Governor Parnaik and Major General Bakshi stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the military and civilian institutions in Arunachal Pradesh, united in their mission to safeguard national interests and uplift local communities. (With inputs from PTI)
