Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has taken a firm stance against corruption in the state, particularly in the context of the Frontier Highway project, following allegations of financial irregularities in the land acquisition process along the Lada to Sarli section. Speaking at a public function on Saturday during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Grong Buddha Park in West Kameng district, Khandu emphasized that the state government will not tolerate any misuse of public funds and that strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

The Chief Minister revealed that he became aware of the alleged misappropriation after returning from Delhi and immediately ordered the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the matter. “I have also given directions that, based on the preliminary report, all those held responsible for the fiasco be suspended with immediate effect for a free and fair enquiry. Suspension orders will be out in a day or two,” Khandu stated. He stressed that any individual found culpable, regardless of position or stature, would face consequences under the law.

Khandu lamented that the Frontier Highway project, a flagship infrastructure initiative of the state, had already involved significant effort and coordination with the central government and other stakeholders, yet the integrity of the Lada to Sarli section was allegedly compromised by a few individuals acting for personal gain. “We have seen similar instances earlier too and are witnesses to the impact such practices have on the project’s timely completion. It is unfortunate that now this Frontier Highway project, particularly the Lada to Sarli stretch, will suffer. Enquiries upon enquiries will be conducted, police will investigate and the matter will drag on in the court. This is very unfortunate and condemnable,” he added, calling the alleged actions a “nonsense act” that would not be tolerated.

Highlighting positive examples within the state, the Chief Minister commended the West Kameng administration for successfully completing the land acquisition process for the Frontier Highway project in a free, fair, and transparent manner. He also thanked the local communities for their cooperation and expressed hope that other districts along the highway’s route would follow West Kameng’s example.

The public event in West Kameng also saw the foundation laying of the Grong Buddha Park, envisioned to become a significant tourist and cultural destination. Khandu described the park as a project that harmonizes development with spirituality. The park will feature a monumental Buddha statue, monastery, stupas, a museum, water bodies, guest accommodations, a hostel block, library, cafeteria, reception center, parking area, kiosks, resting huts, gardens, and courtyards. Once completed, the park is expected to serve as a serene center for faith and reflection while simultaneously promoting tourism, supporting local livelihoods, and preserving regional culture.

During the ceremony, Khandu also launched three digital applications designed to benefit the district’s residents and tourists. The ‘Yakatopia app’ is a digital platform aimed at easing tourism in the region. The ‘Choo-mantar app’ is focused on child safety, sensitizing children about issues like “good touch, bad touch.” The third app, ‘Yodha Bandhu,’ provides tele-counseling and awareness programs for youth affected by substance abuse. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to combining technological solutions with social welfare programs.

Khandu further inaugurated a new police station at Singchung, the renovated building of the Bhalukpong police station, a new academic block at the Government Higher Secondary School in Singchung, and three road projects aimed at improving connectivity within the district. He also laid the foundation stones for 21 new development projects, emphasizing the importance of timely completion without compromising quality.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung, as well as all five MLAs representing Tawang and West Kameng districts, including the host Tenzin Nyima Glow. Khandu’s statements reinforced the administration’s zero-tolerance approach toward corruption and underscored the importance of accountability in implementing large-scale infrastructure and development initiatives.

The Frontier Highway, which spans strategic and remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh, is a flagship project designed to enhance connectivity, boost regional development, and facilitate national security by linking remote border regions with the rest of the state. The Lada to Sarli section, being among the most challenging stretches, has received special focus due to both its logistical complexities and its significance for regional development. Any misappropriation in this section could have wide-ranging consequences for project timelines and overall public trust in government operations.

By ordering the immediate suspension of officials implicated in the allegations, Khandu signaled a firm commitment to transparency and adherence to due process. His approach aligns with the broader governance agenda of the state government, which aims to implement infrastructure projects efficiently while preventing delays caused by bureaucratic corruption or malfeasance.

Beyond the Frontier Highway, the Chief Minister highlighted the broader vision for West Kameng district through initiatives like the Grong Buddha Park and associated development projects. The park represents a strategic effort to promote tourism, cultural preservation, and local economic development, providing opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship while encouraging cultural engagement. By integrating spiritual and recreational elements with infrastructure development, the project aims to enhance the district’s profile as a center for both domestic and international tourism.

The launch of the digital apps reflects the administration’s recognition of technology’s role in modern governance and social outreach. These tools are expected to streamline tourism, enhance child protection awareness, and provide mental health support to youth, reflecting a holistic approach to district-level administration.

Khandu’s remarks on the corruption probe come at a time when governance and project execution are under scrutiny in Arunachal Pradesh. Allegations of misappropriation can undermine public confidence in infrastructure programs, especially those with strategic importance like the Frontier Highway. By emphasizing accountability and the possibility of suspension and legal action, the Chief Minister is sending a clear message that the state government prioritizes ethical governance and the protection of public resources.

In conclusion, the public function in West Kameng district served multiple purposes: reinforcing the government’s anti-corruption stance, highlighting strategic development projects like the Frontier Highway, celebrating cultural initiatives such as the Grong Buddha Park, and launching technology-driven tools to aid governance and social welfare. Khandu’s firm response to alleged financial irregularities, combined with his focus on development and tourism, demonstrates a dual commitment to both transparency and growth, setting the tone for accountable governance in Arunachal Pradesh.