Digboi: At a politically sensitive juncture in Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended Statehood Day greetings to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in a letter that combined praise for the state’s progress with a reaffirmation of the Centre’s developmental commitment.
The message assumes significance amid an intensified anti-corruption campaign by sections of civil society, tagged jan andolan, seeking the Chief Minister’s resignation. In this backdrop, the Prime Minister’s communication was viewed in political circles as an endorsement of Khandu’s leadership.
Describing Arunachal Pradesh as the land “where the sun rises first”, the Prime Minister wrote that it is fitting for a state that greets the dawn before the rest of the country to embody a spirit of patriotism. He referred to the practice of greeting one another with “Jai Hind” as a living expression of national unity and praised the state’s tribal communities for their rich traditions and commitment to sustainable living.
In a conceptual shift, the Prime Minister addressed the conventional characterisation of border habitations as “last villages”. Rejecting the phrase, he asserted that these settlements are in fact the “first villages” of India. This approach, he said, informed the launch of the Vibrant Villages Programme, aimed at strengthening infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in frontier areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
Highlighting the Centre’s engagement with the Northeast over the past decade, he recalled the induction of Kiren Rijiju as the first Union Cabinet Minister from the State. He also cited the expansion of connectivity infrastructure, including the construction of thousands of kilometres of roads in challenging terrain. Projects such as the Donyi Polo Airport and the Sela Tunnel were described as milestones in enhancing accessibility and strategic integration.
The Prime Minister further referred to the implementation of flagship welfare schemes — including Ujala, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and the Jal Jeevan Mission, stating that these initiatives have strengthened service delivery and improved living standards across the state.
He also highlighted the digitisation of rare manuscripts under the Gyan Bharatam Mission in districts such as Tawang, West Kameng, Shi-Yomi, Upper Siang and Namsai, describing it as vital for preserving Arunachal Pradesh’s intellectual and spiritual heritage.
Tourism, particularly in the nature and adventure segments, found mention in the letter. The Prime Minister observed that Union Ministers returning from visits to the state often speak of its scenic landscape and the hospitality of its people, and expressed the Centre’s desire to see greater footfall in the region.
In a personal note, the Prime Minister recalled his association with the late Dorjee Khandu, referring to their interactions at meetings of Chief Ministers in New Delhi. Conveying his greetings to Khandu, he expressed confidence in the state’s continued progress.
The communication comes at a time of heightened political activity in the state, lending it significance beyond the customary Statehood Day greetings.