Unfazed by China's objection, India to build 54 outposts along Arunachal Pradesh border

New Delhi: Unfazed by China’s objections over the development of border areas, the government on Friday announced the setting up of 54 new border outposts and a Rs 175-crore package to beef up infrastructure along the boundary in Arunachal Pradesh.

Home minister Rajnath Singh expressed anguish over reports of ceasefire violations by Pakistan and recent incursions by Chinese troops, saying while “India wants peace with honour, peace cannot come at the cost of honour”.

The minister’s remarks came on a day the external affairs ministry said India was a country of over a billion people and could “not be overawed” by a Pakistani march in UK.

India is boosting infrastructure in areas near the Chinese border in response to China’s massive infrastructure buildup in Tibet, seen as a cause for concern by India’s security agencies.

“Today, when I talk about the border, be it with Pakistan or China, I feel pained and anguished over reports of ceasefire violations by Pakistan or incursions by Chinese troops,” the home minister said at the 53rd raising day of the paramilitary ITBP in Greater Noida, near Delhi. The ITBP guards large stretches of the border with China.

“Humlog shanti chahte hai samman ki saath. Asamman ke saath shanti nahi ho sakti (We want peace with honour. Peace cannot come at the cost of honour),” Mr Singh said, referring to the recent border row with China.

“Pride is the ultimate accomplishment of a human being, of mine and yours,” he said. “Our Prime Minister has told the Chinese President if there is a dispute we should talk. India wants to keep friendly relations with our neighbours, whether it is China or Pakistan.

We believe in the philosophy of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam, which means the world is one family. India has told the world about it,” he added.

On the development of areas bordering China, the home minister said the government had started working on a plan to set up 54 border outposts for the ITBP and also a Rs 175-crore package to build infrastructure on the border in Arunachal Pradesh.

All these posts will be set up in Arunachal, where there were large gaps at the LAC. Mr Singh said the government would also look into the demand for dedicated air support for ITBP personnel. China has objected to any development of infrastructure along the LAC.