Bangalore: India is strengthening security
set up in Arunachal Pradesh to enhance its deterrent
capability but there was no question of militarisation of the
northeastern state, Defence Minister A K Antony said on Tuesday.
China has repeatedly raked up its claim over Arunachal
Pradesh and even objected to visits of Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh and Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. India has
strongly rejected China`s claims.
Saying that he did not want to evade the question on
Arunachal Pradesh, Antony said, "We are strengthening
capability in that sector also to increase our deterrent
capacity."
"... We are strengthening our security set up in all areas
including Arunachal Pradesh because it is a part of India ...
integral part of India," Antony told reporters here.
He said India was strengthening the security apparatus
not to confront anybody and "our considered policy is to be
friendly with all our neighbours."
But at the same time, he said, Indian armed forces were
always ready to meet any eventuality or threat from any
quarters.
"You are not well informed. There is no question of
militarisation of Arunachal Pradesh", Antony said, when a
reporter asked him about the "armed forces plan" for
"militarisation" of the northeastern state and the "logic
behind it".
To a question on deploying the armed forces for internal
security, Antony said they were meant to protect the borders
and "every inch of land".
Noting that internal security was the responsibility of
state governments and state police, he said paramilitary
forces were supplementing their efforts.
Deploying armed forces for internal security was "the last,
last, last resort," he said.
PTI
