India's urgency to secure its security from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast has grown especially after recent comments from a Chinese expert, to the effect that it had” not learnt the lessons of 1962”.

In the years ahead, about 7600 kilometres of new roads will be built in the Northeastern states, including over 1000 kilometres in Arunachal Pradesh. In the first phase, Rs 76 billion and in the second phase Rs 44 billion will be spent on the construction of new roads and highways.

Among other measures, it is proposed to have at least 8 new airfields in Arunachal Pradesh, where at least 2 divisions of soldiers will be based. There are altogether 10 mountain divisions in position now all over the region. Mr. Takam Sanjoy, General secretary of the Northeast Congress Coordination Committee, has suggested that at least one airbase be set up in Arunachal Pradesh in addition to the three airbases in Assam. A body of scouts is being raised in the border state, along the lines of Ladakh and Kumaon region. In all, some 61 new roads and highways have been planned, in many areas including Sikkim, to improve and aid better and speedier communication of both people and heavy equipment, at short notice. Recently, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh announced a Rs 21,000 crore comprehensive economic package for Arunachal Pradesh.

In recent months China has stepped up its campaign against the inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh and even Sikkim, in India. More worryingly than its rhetoric, China has been accused of 270 intrusions along its border with India during the past 12 months.

Characteristically, the Chinese have commented on India's displeasure over the remarks made by US President Mr Barrack Obama recently, urging upon China to play a mediator's role in the Indo-Pak dispute. India's reaction, according to China, indicates the country's discomfiture over any improvement in US-China relations.

Impressive as India's new defence plans seem, they pale into insignificance when compared to the build-up on the Chinese side of the Himalayas. Altogether 22,000 kilometres of new roads are either built or under construction, in Tibet alone, of which 6000 kilometres will run very close to Ladakh border. Lhasa is now connected by road and rail and close to Ladakh again, at least 15 new airfields are being built.

Observers point out that India has to do a lot of work on the diplomatic front also. After all, China remains the biggest economic partner of the USA, and had extended its support to the falling dollar during the present economic downturn worldwide. And Pakistan is an ally of the USA and China in the region. As for the Indo-US nuclear treaty, some observers remain skeptical about its effectiveness. (IPA)