Itanagar: Union defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the forward areas along India-China Border in the Dibang valley of Arunachal Pradesh on January 18. She overflew the forward locations along the Line of Actual Control and visited the Army post of Anini located at the height of 5,300 feet.

Head, Eastern Command, Indian Army, Lieutenant General MM Naravane, GOC Spear Corps, Lieutenant General Rajeev Sirohi and other Military and civil officials accompanied Sitharaman.

At the forward post, the Raksha Mantri, as the defence minister is being referred to these days, was briefed on the operational situation and defence preparedness of the armed forces in the Dibang valley. She also interacted with the troops. She appreciated their dedication and selfless service in protecting India’s borders in such inhospitable terrains.

Later, the Raksha Mantri inaugurated the Difu (Chipu) Bridge at Roing in Arunachal Pradesh. In addition to enhancing operational capability, this 329-m bridge is expected to usher in economic prosperity for the people of Namsai, Lohit, Anjaw and Lower Dibang districts of the state.

The Raksha Mantri lauded the efforts to enhance connectivity in the forward areas.