Arunachal CM pays tribute to the lives lost in recent calamities; Vows to rebuild state

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday vowed to rebuild the state in a better way after floods and landslides ravaged the region, and announced a Rs 7,834 crore investment between 2026 and 2029 to strengthen roads, rural connectivity and other key infrastructure.

Hoisting the Tricolour at Indira Gandhi Park here, on the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day, he said the recent natural disasters had brought back to focus the need for safer and more resilient infrastructure in the frontier state.

"Our resolve is firm and our direction is clear: in the years ahead, every community of Arunachal Pradesh will be supported with safer, stronger, and more resilient infrastructure," he said.

The chief minister paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent floods and landslides in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

He praised local communities, district administrations, security forces, disaster response teams, healthcare workers and volunteers for their efforts during the crisis.

Earlier in the day, Khandu extended greetings to the people while emphasising that peace is the essential foundation for all development.

Paying tributes to freedom fighters, he said that while Arunachal's cultural and regional diversity brings varied aspirations, the state continues to march forward at a remarkable pace across multiple sectors.

The chief minister credited much of this transformation to the Centre's steadfast support under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Khandu cautioned against the pitfalls of the digital age, advising them to critically verify information before believing or sharing it. "Technology should empower us, not manipulate us," he said, reiterating the government's commitment to creating robust local opportunities.

In the message, Khandu urged all to use their freedom responsibly to build a stronger, peaceful, and united Arunachal Pradesh.