my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 7 Jan: The Governor, Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd), today participated in a seminar held at Clement Town, here, on the theme “Fortifying the Himalayas: A Proactive Military–Civil–Society Fusion Strategy in the Middle Sector”.
In his address, the Governor stated that the Himalayas are not merely a geographical boundary, but a living strategic system where terrain, infrastructure, population, governance, and military capability continuously interact. He noted that although the Middle Sector has traditionally been considered relatively quiet, current circumstances demand constant vigilance and proactive preparedness. He emphasised the need for effective coordination among the military, civil administration, and society to strengthen security arrangements in the Himalayan region, particularly in the India–China Middle Sector.
The Governor observed that contemporary security challenges are no longer confined to direct military actions alone, but are shaped by factors such as hybrid warfare, grey-zone activities, dual-use infrastructure, and sustained pressure in border areas. In such a scenario, long-term security of the Himalayan regions cannot be ensured solely through military preparedness, but through effective coordination with civil administration, local communities, and technology.
Highlighting the importance of border villages, the Governor described local communities as a vital component of national security—not merely beneficiaries, but active participants and force multipliers in border security. He stated that initiatives such as the Vibrant Villages Programme strengthen population stability, logistical resilience, and a sustained national presence in border areas, alongside social and economic development.
Emphasising the role of infrastructure in high-altitude Himalayan regions, the Governor said that roads, tunnels, bridges, air connectivity, and telecommunications facilities are essential elements of operational readiness. Referring to the Char Dham Project, he noted that it not only strengthens pilgrimage and disaster management capabilities, but also enhances strategic mobility and security preparedness.
The Governor underlined the importance of modern technology, stating that drones, advanced surveillance systems, and artificial intelligence–based platforms enhance situational awareness and rapid response. However, he cautioned that technology cannot replace leadership, judgement, and institutional strength.
He also pointed out that environmental balance in Himalayan regions has a direct bearing on operational capability. Environmental degradation affects not only life and livelihoods, but also logistics, communications, and disaster management. He stressed the need for a balanced approach between tourism, environmental conservation, and security requirements.
Concluding his address, the Governor said that the real strength of Himalayan borders lies in silent preparedness, institutional coordination, and social trust. When the armed forces, civil administration, and society work together, Himalayan frontiers become stronger, more stable, and more secure.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that organising a seminar on Himalayan security, disaster management, infrastructure strengthening, and military–civil synergy is extremely important. He said that the recommendations emerging from the seminar would help strengthen strategic policy and play a significant role in the development of the Himalayan region.
The Chief Minister said that considering the difficult geographical conditions and limited population in Himalayan areas, better coordination among the armed forces, civilians, civil administration, and technical experts is essential. Citizens residing near the borders are the country’s greatest strength, acting as the eyes and ears of the nation and making a vital contribution to national security. He emphasised that safeguarding the nation is not only the responsibility of the armed forces, but of every citizen.
He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, work is being carried out for the development and empowerment of border villages through the Vibrant Villages Programme. He noted that Prime Minister Modi is the first Prime Minister to visit a remote and strategically important border village like Mana, and that he described Mana not as the country’s last village, but as its first village. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the state government is committed to the development of border areas and the welfare of their residents.
The GOC-in-C, Central Command, Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, shared his views on the challenges of the Middle Sector border, empowerment of civil society, technological upgradation, and infrastructure development.
Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), former Ambassador Ashok K Kantha, Brigadier Anshuman Narang (Retd), and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
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