HAWAI, 24 Jun: The 2nd civil-military fusion meeting was held here in Anjaw district on Thursday to strengthen coordination between the civil administration and the Indian Army on key issues concerning border area development, public welfare, infrastructure, security, and community participation.

Anjaw Deputy Commissioner Millo Kojin, who chaired the meeting, appreciated the Indian Army for its continued support towards civilian welfare, infrastructure development, and community-oriented initiatives in the border areas. He stated that civil-military coordination is especially important for a strategically sensitive district like Anjaw, where security concerns and public welfare must move together.

The DC assured that the district administration would extend all possible cooperation to the Army in resolving local issues, including land-related matters, public awareness, waste management, infrastructure improvement, and participation in the forthcoming Walong Day celebration. He also emphasised the need for greater community involvement in developmental activities, and urged all departments to work in a coordinated manner, so that the benefits of various initiatives reach the people living in remote border villages.

82 Mountain Brigade Brigadier Jaspreet Singh underlined the strategic significance of the region, particularly in view of its proximity to the international border. He stressed the need for close civil-military coordination to effectively address security and developmental concerns of the area.

The brigadier informed that under Project Sadbhavana, an amount of Rs 1 crore had been spent by the Indian Army for civilian welfare activities, including support for the Walong Day celebration in 2025. He further reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to enhancing the allocation under the project to Rs 1.50 crore for civilian-oriented initiatives.

The Army expressed concern over instances of civilians crossing the Bipin Rawat Gate and Dichu Nallah without prior intimation to the Army. The civil administration was requested to intervene and create awareness among the public to avoid such incidents in the future.

Lt Colonel Abhisek Sharma emphasised the importance of close cooperation between the civil administration and the Indian Army in resolving pressing local issues. He raised concerns over land-related disputes affecting infrastructure development, including construction of military bunkers.

The meeting also discussed the artillery area at KKG, where an ownership claim has been raised. The Army assured that adequate compensation would be provided after submission and verification of relevant documents establishing legal ownership.

The meeting reviewed the progress of action points from the 1st civil-military fusion meeting held in 2025. Particular emphasis was placed on the repair, widening and blacktopping of the road from the highway to the surgical centre. The PWD assistant engineer informed that funds have already been sanctioned, and that the work would be taken up during the current working season.

On the issue of IB construction, the district administration and the departments concerned assured that the project would be completed before the upcoming Walong Day celebration.

The proposal for helicopter services was also discussed. The district administration observed that the proposal may not be feasible due to the area’s unpredictable weather conditions and the prevailing preference of commuters for road transport. However, correspondence has been made with the director of civil aviation, GoAP and a response is awaited.

The meeting further discussed the need to improve electricity supply and requested the authorities concerned to initiate extension of power supply to Wacha. The issue of procurement of fresh vegetables from local farmers was also reviewed. It was observed that local farmers have been unable to meet the Army’s demand for vegetable supplies, while farmers have shown limited interest due to inadequate procurement rates.

Concerns regarding solid waste management were raised by the Army. The district administration explained the challenges involved in implementation, and informed that necessary steps have already been initiated. It was felt that awareness and sensitisation programmes involving shopkeepers, villagers and other stakeholders would be essential for effective management of solid, dry and hazardous waste in accordance with applicable Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of the community radio station in Walong, under Project Sadbhavana. It was informed that the radio station is at an advanced stage of implementation, and the Army envisions active participation of local residents as radio jockeys and in other operational roles.

Low participation of local youths in the Agniveer recruitment process was also discussed. The Army requested the district administration and educational institutions to conduct awareness programmes atschools and in communities to encourage greater participation.

The meeting further discussed the need to strengthen banking facilities in Walong. The Army requested the establishment of a full-fledged banking facility in Walong to better serve both civilians and security personnel. (DIPRO)