Last Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant visit to Arunachal Pradesh where he inaugurated the Sela Tunnel, a feat of engineering constructed at an impressive altitude of 13,000 feet. This visit, however, stirred diplomatic tensions, with China lodging a protest on Monday, criticizing the move and reasserting their controversial territorial claim over the area. Despite China’s persistent claims, referring to Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet and the location as Zangnan, India firmly dismissed these allegations and reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh remains an irrevocable part of the Indian union.
Amidst objections, PM Modi proudly unveiled the Sela Tunnel, hailing it as the longest bi-lane road tunnel in the world at that altitude and a project essential for ensuring all-weather connectivity to the strategically crucial town of Tawang. Along with enhancing the vehicular movement in the region, military officials hail the tunnel as a crucial step towards facilitating better troop and weaponry maneuverability along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The tunnel stands as a testament to not only the infrastructural prowess but also to the commitment of India towards safeguarding its borders, representing an investment of Rs 825 crore.
China’s verbal reproach was countered by India’s foreign ministry, which reiterated the nation’s unwavering stance on Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. Furthermore, the ministry pointed out the fallacy of China’s objections over Indian leaders visiting their own states and carrying out developmental projects. Statements from the Indian side emphasize the importance of development in Arunachal Pradesh for the nation and challenge the basis of China’s repeated protests. As the Prime Minister’s visit concludes, the Sela Tunnel now stands as a new chapter in the region’s connectivity and defense, amid ongoing boundary negotiations with China.