Scouts for Arunachal, Sikkim
Despite the recent expression of bonhomie in relations with China, the government clearly is taking no chances. The government is considering raising of battalions of “Arunachal Scouts” and “Sikkim Scouts” by the Indian Army in the border states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim respectively to boost defence preparedness near the
Sino-Indian border and provide more employment to the people of the two states. The government is trying to replicate the successful “Ladakh Scouts” model. The Ladakh Scouts, which was established in 1963 following the Sino-Indian war of 1962, attained the status of a full regiment on account of its outstanding performance in the Kargil conflict.
The issue was discussed at the Army Commanders’ Conference that began in the capital on Monday. “Discussions on raising of Arunachal and Sikkim scouts battalions were also carried out (at the Army Commanders’ Conference),” the government stated on Monday.
“Establishment of these battalions will be beneficial since the people of these two border states know their terrain better than anyone else. It will provide to be a valuable asset for the Army,” Army sources said.
China claims that Arunachal is its territory and does not regard it as part of India. Just a few years ago, China finally recognised Sikkim as part of India. Despite the holding of border talks, India is wary of its giant eastern neighbour especially since China is rapidly modernising its military and building modern infrastructure on its side of the LAC. In fact, Army Chief, Gen. V.K. Singh, spoke about the issue of “multi-spectral threats” at the conference as well. The Army is assessing its defence preparedness vis-a-vis both Pakistan and China.
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