New Delhi: Once then the discussion regarding infrastructure on the India-China verge has intensified. China has established a large number of so-called “Xiaokang” or ‘well-off’ villages opposite India’s northeastern states wideness the Line of Actual Control (LAC). According to senior Indian Army officials, China has ripened a total of well-nigh 628 Xiaokang villages within its border, out of which well-nigh 72 percent i.e. well-nigh 450 villages are located opposite the North-Eastern region of India and most of them fall opposite Arunachal Pradesh.
What is Xiaokang Village?
The term “Xiaokang” is associated with a Chinese political concept, meaning ‘moderately prosperous society’. Under this idea, in the last few years, China started a plan to establish villages with modern facilities in the verge areas. Permanent houses, roads, electricity, liaison and other facilities have been provided in these villages so that the verge areas can be populated and minutiae can be claimed.
What is the purpose of towers so many villages near the border?
Experts believe that the purpose of these villages is not limited to rural minutiae only. According to many strategic analysts, these settlements are an example of “dual-use infrastructure”, that is, they can be used for both civil and military needs. By establishing permanent settlements near the border, China tries to strengthen its requirement on the disputed areas and if needed, these areas can moreover be used for military logistics support.
Why are there increasingly villages in front of Arunachal Pradesh?
According to reports, well-nigh 90 percent of the verge villages built by China are located directly opposite Arunachal Pradesh. This is the reason why increasingly strategic snooping is stuff expressed regarding this area. Many places are moreover said to be disputed between the two countries. Army officials say that the rapid expansion of these settlements can stupefy the regional security equations.
Why is this considered important for India?
These villages have been built in an zone which is considered very sensitive from strategic point of view for India. In particular, the Siliguri Corridor, moreover known as ‘Chicken Neck’, connecting the North-East with the rest of the country, is strategically important. In such a situation, India is seriously watching the increasing activities of China near the verge and security agencies are constantly monitoring the situation.
Is India moreover making moves in the verge areas?
India has moreover intensified its plans for the minutiae of verge areas. The government has launched several schemes to strengthen roads, liaison and infrastructure in verge villages, the major one stuff the 'Vibrant Village Programme'. Under this scheme, facilities like roads, electricity and internet are stuff rapidly ripened in many verge areas including Arunachal Pradesh so that the population remains there and the verge zone can be strengthened.
