New Delhi

Follow China, develop border areas: Khandu

New Delhi: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has asked the Union government to step up developmental activities in the areas close to the border with China, matching the infrastructure work being carried out by Beijing.

“There is an urgent necessity to develop border areas in the State as China has developed its infrastructure and services to international standards,” Mr. Khandu told PTI after a meeting with Home Minister P. Chidambaram here. He said the allocation under the Border Areas Development Programme should be enhanced to match the growing demands of settlers in these areas.

He also stressed the need to adopt a policy to advance administrative centres close to the border and keep these areas populated. Arunachal Pradesh wanted better ties between the two countries for the benefit of the people, he said. “That is why we have proposed to open border trading posts along border in Arunachal Pradesh. But considering the present atmosphere, I don’t think they can be opened soon.” — PTI

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