Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) on Friday, 5 June commended the Assam Rifles for its sustained efforts in securing the international border with Myanmar and for its critical role in maintaining peace and stability across the strategically sensitive border regions of Arunachal Pradesh. The praise came during a high-level meeting in Shillong where the Governor also engaged with senior Indian Air Force leadership.

Key Meeting in Shillong

Assam Rifles Director General Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera called on Governor Parnaik in Shillong on Thursday, when the Governor was present for the plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC). The two held detailed deliberations on border management, security operations, and the welfare of communities living along the frontier in Arunachal Pradesh.

Governor Parnaik lauded the paramilitary force for its professionalism and tireless commitment under challenging geographical and climatic conditions. He also acknowledged the Assam Rifles' consistent efforts in building trust with local populations through civic action programmes, community outreach, and humanitarian assistance — work he described as strengthening the partnership between security forces and border residents.

Border Fencing and Operational Vigilance

Referring to recent developments along the international border and the evolving security environment in the region, the Governor stressed the need for constant vigilance and operational readiness among troops deployed in frontier areas. He called on personnel to remain alert and equipped to address emerging challenges effectively.

Expressing concern over the pace of border fencing work, Lieutenant General Parnaik (Retd.) underscored the strategic importance of completing the project on time and urged that the process be expedited. He stated that robust border infrastructure is essential not only for national security but also for effective border management and preventing trans-border illegal activities.

Director General Lakhera assured the Governor that the Assam Rifles would continue working closely with the state administration and local communities to reinforce border security while preserving its longstanding goodwill with the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Eastern Air Command Meeting

Separately, Governor Parnaik on Thursday visited the Eastern Air Command Headquarters in Shillong, where he held discussions with Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia. The Governor expressed appreciation for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) contributions to Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in ration-dropping operations, airlifting essential supplies, patient evacuation during medical emergencies, and disaster response.

He noted that such support has often served as a lifeline for remote communities facing severe connectivity constraints due to the state's difficult terrain. The Governor emphasised the need to strengthen the network of Advance Landing Grounds (ALGs) across the state, describing well-maintained ALGs as essential for national security, disaster response, and border area development.

Community Engagement and Sporting Initiatives

Governor Parnaik also praised the Inter-Advance Landing Ground Football Tournament, calling it an effective platform for fostering goodwill between Air Warriors and local communities. He expressed hope that similar sporting events across other disciplines would be organised regularly to encourage local talent and deepen community engagement.

Air Marshal Walia reaffirmed the Eastern Air Command's commitment to humanitarian assistance, emergency response, connectivity, and national security in Arunachal Pradesh. With border fencing timelines under scrutiny and the region's strategic weight growing, the coordination between the Governor's office, Assam Rifles, and the IAF signals a concerted effort to reinforce India's northeastern frontier.