Lohitpur (Arunachal Pradesh), Feb 1: While appealing for the need for long-term peace in the largely volatile north eastern region of India, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today announced several development-related initiatives for troops in the area.

Addressing the troops at a forward area near here, Dr. Singh lauded the role played by security forces in maintaining peace in the North-East.

Dr. Singh announced a grant of 60 lakh rupees to improve the facilities in the transit camps for the forces posted in the border area. He also sanctioned an amount of 30 lakh rupees for satellite telephone services in the remote border areas.

Transit facilities will be upgraded at Dehan, Senge, Likabali and Missamari.

He also announced a grant of Rs. 30 lakh for setting up satellite telephony at Subansiri, Siang, Seam, Lohit and Debang valleys to improve telecommunication with the rest of the country.

The Prime Minister said he had instructed senior officials to bring to his notice whatever more was needed to address the problems faced by the personnel. "I will see that the requirements are met," he said.

"As the sentinels of the nation, you should get all facilities as a matter of right," he added.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Governor J J Singh, Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and state Finance Minister Kalikh Pul.

Dr. Singh, who arrived in Itanagar on Thursday on a two-day maiden visit, announced several new projects amounting to over Rs. 4000 crores for Arunachal Pradesh. They including a new rail link between Itanagar and Harmuti, grid based power project to cover all border villages and a helicopter service between Guwahati and Tawang.

He also laid the foundation stone of the new Secretariat building, the Pare and Dibang power projects and the Itanagar water supply scheme.

Dr. Singh, who is on his first visit to Arunachal Pradesh, placed emphasis on increasing the growth rate of the Northeast region. (ANI)