Arunachal CM says railway connectivity for Tawang would quash Chinese territorial claims

CM Pema Khandu made the statement during an interaction with union minister of state for railways Suresh Angadi at Itanagar.

Published on: Sep 22, 2019, 10:59:52 IST

Itanagar | By Utpal Parashar

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Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday said that connecting Tawang to India’s railway network would serve as befitting reply to China’s ‘claims’ over the area.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu with Union MoS of Railways Suresh Channabasappa Angadi during a meeting, in Itanagar. (PTI)

CM Khandu made the statement during an interaction with union minister of state for railways Suresh Angadi at Itanagar. They were discussing the proposed railway projects in the state and also how to fastrack ongoing projects in the state.

“Arunachal Pradesh, especially Tawang district, is much disputed by China and railways reaching the farthest districts would be a befitting reply to the ‘claims’” said a statement released by Khandu’s office.

The CM urged Angadi to speed up work on the Sela Tunnel paving way for the 378-km long railway line to Tawang from Bhalukpung in West Kameng district of the state.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving special preference to the northeast in terms of connectivity and the railway ministry is duty bound to reach out to states like Arunchal Pradesh,” Angadi assured stating that all railway projects in the state would be fast tracked.

The CM urged the union minister of state to speed up work on the Sela Tunnel which will pave way for the 378-km long railway line to Tawang from Bhalukpung in West Kameng district of the state.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utpal Parashar
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.Read More