Date:03/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/03/stories/2007120359931600.htm

National

Antony for urgent steps to develop frontier areas

Says infrastructure on the Chinese side is far superior

— Photo: PTI/ Shahbaz Khan

LOOKING FORWARD: Defence Minister A.K. Antony shaking hands with a Chinese soldier during his visit at Nathu La on Sunday. The Chief of the Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor, is also seen.

Nathu La: Upset at the poor infrastructure along the border with China in Sikkim, Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Sunday said he would “vigorously” pursue urgent steps to develop the frontier areas.

“An eye-opener”

“It is an eye-opener. There is no comparison between the two sides. Infrastructure on the Chinese side is far superior. They have gone far in developing their infrastructure,” Mr. Antony said after visiting this border post located at an altitude of 14,140 feet.

Mr. Antony said one should not grumble at the lack of connectivity on the Indian side and do what was needed to improve them.

“As I have personally seen the lack of infrastructure and the difficult conditions in which the soldiers are protecting the border, I will vigorously champion the cause of the armed forces,” he said.

Expansion of list

The government was contemplating expansion of the list of goods to be traded through this mountainous pass, he told reporters. On widening the list of items to be traded with China at the border post, he said: “It is a good beginning. Our idea is to increase the trade gradually. I hope in the years to come, more and more items will be included for trade.”

At present Indian traders could buy 15 items from the Chinese and sell 29 items to them at the Nathu La trading post.

“It is a gradual process. People of both sides will be benefited out of it. But before that we need to develop our infrastructure. We need to develop the infrastructure not only for the Army but also for the common people. We have to take it up seriously,” Mr. Antony said.

The trading centre between northeastern States and China does not operate for four months due to extreme cold conditions. Trading at Nathu La ended on November 30 and it will resume on April 1.

Interacts with soldiers

Mr. Antony later interacted with soldiers posted in the forward areas and senior Army officials briefed him about the situation along the border.

The Minister exchanged pleasantries with Chinese army officials and soldiers at the border post. — PTI