The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Navy chief stresses self-reliance To set up air enclaves at Tuticorin, Bhubaneswar & Andaman Nicobar Islands Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 26 With two next-generation indigenous warships set to be commissioned next month, Navy Chief Admiral Robin Dhowan said future expansion and growth would continue to be anchored on “self-reliance and indigenization”. He was addressing the Naval Commanders’ Conference here today. The Admiral discussed the self-reliance programme of the Navy and stressed that indigenisation of platforms, weapons, sensors and equipment, through public as well as private sectors, should remain an area of focus. The first of the Kolkata-class Destroyer and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) vessel Kamorta are set to be commissioned in July. This is the second lot of the locally produced warships after the Navy’s Design Bureau and the Ministry of Defence owned Mazagon Dock Limited tasted success by building four Shivalik-class stealth warships. The Navy intends to have three Kolkata-class Destroyers and four ASW vessels of the Kamorta class. The follow-on to the Kolkata-class, code named Project 15-B, is about having four stealth Destroyers. The Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the project, sources said. The Navy will go for a major infrastructure expansion. It will set up air enclaves at three places, including the Andaman Nicobar Islands where airstrip at Campbell Bay would be expanded. The airstrip can take IAF’s C-130J special operations planes and C-17 heavy lifters, besides the Navy’s own specialised surveillance planes of Russian and US parentage. It will be expanded to allow take off and landing of more planes. The base is used by the Navy to keep a watch on the Straits of Mallaca, east of the Andaman Islands. Besides this, air enclaves will be set up at Tutocorin in Tamil Nadu and Bhubaneswar in Orissa. An air enclave includes setting up basic facilities of re-fuelling, servicing and enabling quick turnaround of planes and helicopters.
	Air Marshall Reddy is chief of defence staff Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 26 Air Marshal PP Reddy was today appointed Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC). He will replace Lieutenant General Anil Chait on July 1. The CISC, is a tri-service organisation and is headed by one of the three services in rotation. Lt Gen Chait, who is from the Armoured Corps, retires from service. He had led the flood relief operations in Uttarakhand last year. Air Marshal Reddy, presently posted as Director General (Inspection and Safety) at Air Headquarters, is a fighter pilot and was commissioned in the IAF in 1977. He is a qualified flying instructor and a test pilot, who has flown over 3,600 hours on various types of fighter as well as transport aircraft, including SU-30 MKI. He has been a chief test pilot besides having served as Air Adviser at the High Commission of India, London. The IAF also posted Air Marshall R Rai as Air-Officer-Commanding-in Chief at the IAF’s Bangalore-based training command. Fighter pilot * Air Marshal Reddy is a fighter pilot and was commissioned in the IAF in 1977 * He is a qualified flying instructor and a test pilot, who has flown over 3,600 hours on various types of fighter as well as transport aircraft.
	UGC tellsDU to scrap FYUP immediately Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 26 The UGC tonight rejected Delhi University's proposal to dilute the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) to find a solution to the ongoing impasse around it and directed the varsity to immediately revert to the old 10+2+3 format for admitting students to the 2014-15 batch. "Our patience with DU has run out," said sources in the UGC, which sent a fresh directive to DU around 9.30 pm today asking it to comply with its June 20 directive on withdrawal of the FYUP and restoration of the 10+2+3 format in accordance with the National Policy of Education, 1986. DU had today morning sent a proposal to the UGC agreeing to dilute FYUP by awarding Honours degree in three years. The proposal said DU would offer FYUP's controversial foundation courses only in the first year instead of the first two years and would reduce their numbers drastically. It hinted at the fourth year of study being optional. The UGC trashed DU's peace proposal after daylong deliberations in the HRD Ministry. UGC's directive, sources said, told the DU that it must comply "with immediate effect". "Directions have been sent for compliance with immediate effect. Students' admissions cannot wait any longer. We have clarified to DU that FYUP was never in operation legally as its ordinance never got the Visitor's approval. FYUP is an illegal course and DU must revert to the one it was previously offering. There are no two ways about it," UGC sources said. The UGC toughened its stand in view of the delay in admission to DU's 64 colleges. Admission process was to start from Monday with the release of the first cut-off list but colleges held it back due to confusion over which course (FYUP or 10+2+3) to offer to 2.7 lakh applicants. Asked what the UGC would do if DU VC Dinesh Singh continued to resist the rollback, a source said: "UGC will then directly tell the college principals to start admissions. The UGC has the powers to do that. DU authorities have acted with vanity in the current controversy," sources said. The Tribune has learnt that the DU VC has not been accepting UGC's directives and remains closeted at his residence since three days now. What next * UGC can stop funds to colleges that refuse to follow its directions to admit students to the old format * DU VC's future uncertain as UGC toughens stand * VC may quit, may be booked for fraud for allegedly running an illegal course, as hinted by BJP’s Sidhartha Nath Singh
	Rafale deal may figure during French FM’s visit Tribune News Servcie New Delhi, June 26 India and France are likely to discuss the Rafale combat aircraft deal and the progress in civil nuclear energy cooperation when French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius arrives in Delhi on Monday for talks with the new government. The two sides are also likely to discuss the Rs 20,000 crore Maitri surface-to-air missile system project as also various international developments, including the crisis in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. The Rafale deal, estimated to be over Rs 60,000 crore, is expected to figure prominently during the talks, sources here said. India had selected the French Rafale combat aircraft two years ago, but the negotiations are still continuing between Defence Ministry and the French firm Dassault Aviation as there have been issues of over pricing and work-sharing between the two sides. During the interaction between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Fabius, the two sides are expected to take up the Jaitapur nuclear power project where the two countries are planning to set up six nuclear power plants in a phased manner, the sources said. The French side was waiting for the new government to assume office in Delhi to restart negotiations, as it wanted to know the approach of the new dispensation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of using nuclear energy, they said. Asked if the French side was comfortable with the nuclear liability laws of India, the sources said the French government wanted to understand and discuss with India the way the liability laws would be implemented and its possible consequences. Under discussion * Foreign Minister of France Laurent Fabius will arrive in Delhi on Monday * He is likely to discuss Maitri surface-to-air missile system project with the new government * External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Fabius are expected to discuss the Jaitapur nuclear power project also
	‘Make addicts productive for society’ New Delhi, June 26 President Pranab Mukherjee today expressed concern over the growing alcoholism and drug abuse and advocated a comprehensive programme with focus on making addicts productive members of society after getting them off alcohol. “The aim of the comprehensive treatment programme should not be merely to get the addicted individual off alcohol or drugs, but make them productive members of the society. Making them drug free, crime free and gainfully employed is what is required,” he said. Giving away national awards for outstanding service in the field of alcoholism and substance abuse to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Mukherjee also highlighted the vulnerability of the younger generation to the menace. —PTI
	MP seeks Rs 1,000 cr for better civic amenities in Faridabad Syed Ali Ahmed Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 26 Faridabad MP Krishan Pal Gurjar today appealed the Central Government to grant Rs 1,000 crore from the National Capital Regional Planning Board (NCRPB) fund to improve civic facilities in Faridabad. In a letter to M Venkaiah Naidu, Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, he said drinking water facilities, sewerage system and roads in the constituency were poor. “When rain lashes the area, water logs the entire town,” he said. He also requested the authorities to extend the metro rail network up to Palwal and connect Gurgaon to Faridabad with metro. About the Yamuna river, which flows through Faridabad and is the only source of water in the constituency, he said the ministry concerned should chalk out a plan to clean it. He also urged the authorities to clean the Agra and Gurgaon canals. To take the pollution control measures in Faridabad, which is adjacent to the national capital, he appealed for special fund to the NCR Planning Board.
	SRK’s driver held for ‘raping’ minor New Delhi, June 26 Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s driver has been arrested by the Bandra police for allegedly raping a minor girl on the pretext of getting her a job at the actor’s residence after she was sacked by an actress, who is the wife of a cricketer-turned-politician, the police said today. According to the Bandra police, accused Rajendra Gautam (34), who has been working with Shah Rukh Khan’s family as a driver for seven years was on Wednesday arrested for raping the 17-year-old victim last week in a lodge at Nalasopara in neighbouring Thane district. Assistant Police Commissioner Shivaji Rao Kolekar said the girl hailing from Latur district used to work at the residence of a celebrity, who is the wife of an ex-cricketer and a former Congress MP. Kolekar said the girl was searching for another job as she was not happy with the salary she was getting there. Through common friends Gautam learnt that the girl was looking for a job and hence he telephoned at the celebrity’s residence. “When Gautam rang up at the girl’s workplace, the celebrity herself accidentally picked up the phone call while Gautam went on talking about the possibility of a job offer at SRK’s residence thinking that he was speaking to the victim,” said another officer. Learning this, the celebrity sacked the girl after settling her dues, police said adding that Gautam then met the jobless girl and assured her work at Khan’s bungalow. Kolekar said the girl was told by Gautam that Shah Rukh Khan was not in Mumbai and once the actor is back he would help her getting a job in the bungalow. On the pretext of finding her an accommodation, he took her to a lodge in Nalasopara on Friday and sexually abused her. Later he threatened her with dire consequences if she revealed it to anybody, the officer said. — PTI
	Ex-ministers fail to meet deadline New Delhi, June 26 Most of the 55 former ministers have not met the deadline of vacating their official residences which ended today and the Urban Development Ministry is preparing to issue fresh notices to them. Among the new ministers, nine will retain the bungalows they have been occupying as MPs while 29 have been allotted new bungalows to match their current stature. Those who have been allotted new bungalows include Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda and MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra. However, most of them cannot shift as the bungalows allotted to them are still occupied by the former ministers. Sources in the UD Ministry said only a few of those served notices to vacate their official bungalows by today have met the deadline. A few who have vacated include former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. “While some have sought more time, some have also wanted to vacate,” Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu said. Naidu expressed his inability to give extension beyond a reasonable period. “Extension for two/three months cannot be given because rule does not allow such thing,” he argued. The Directorate of Estates under the UD ministry is now preparing to send fresh notices to them, sources said. Nine Cabinet Ministers including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu, Consumer Affairs Minister Ramvilas Paswan, Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will continue to stay at their present address. — PTI
	Restricted item list of Defence Ministry pruned Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 26 In what is seen as the first step of allowing more private participation in the defence manufacturing sector, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Commerce have agreed to prune the list of restricted items that cannot be manufactured openly. Items on the list can be manufactured only after procuring an industrial licence and that too after clearance from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Sources in the MoD said things like components, casings and forgings that are used as parts of defence equipment besides other laboratory equipment have been taken off the MoD restricted list, that was last corrected in 2002. “Most of the items taken off the list are not restricted items till they are not integrated with weapons or military equipment,” said an official explaining the move of allowing ‘dual-use’ (military and civilian) items to be manufactured freely. Citing an example sources said a small item like a valve of a hydraulically operated parts used by the Navy or the IAF were also on restricted list. Even nuts and bolts were on the list. The Ministry of Commerce, today released a fresh list of items that will remain restricted. The new list was okayed by the MoD. All those parts which are not on the new list can be produced without the mandatory licence. These items are in demand in civil applications in Indian and also in other countries especially the forgings, casings and components like microchips. The new list removes the ambiguity that had prevailed over what was restricted and what was not. The industry has welcomed the move, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said it welcomes this much awaited initiative of MoD and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. “We are happy to see that Ministry of Defence has taken cognizance of CII’s recommendations to prune the list and keeping it to the bare minimum” said Baba NKalyani, Chairman, CII National Committee on Defence. CII’s recommendations sought simplification of the current policy and procedures. This step is important as it would bring more clarity to the procedures and will encourage new entrants into the defence sector. It is important to maintain a fair balance between addressing genuine security concerns and promoting India’s defence industry, the CII said. Off the list * Things like components, casings and forgings that are used as parts of defence equipment besides other laboratory equipment have been taken off the MoD restricted list, that was last corrected in 2002
	Ex-ministers fail to meet deadline New Delhi, June 26 Most of the 55 former ministers have not met the deadline of vacating their official residences which ended today and the Urban Development Ministry is preparing to issue fresh notices to them. Among the new ministers, nine will retain the bungalows they have been occupying as MPs while 29 have been allotted new bungalows to match their current stature. Those who have been allotted new bungalows include Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda and MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra. However, most of them cannot shift as the bungalows allotted to them are still occupied by the former ministers. Sources in said only a few of those served notices to vacate their official bungalows by today have met the deadline. A few who have vacated include former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. — PTI
	SRK’s driver held for ‘raping’ minor New Delhi, June 26 Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s driver has been arrested by the Bandra police for allegedly raping a minor girl on the pretext of getting her a job at the actor’s residence after she was sacked by an actress, who is the wife of a cricketer-turned-politician, the police said today. According to the Bandra police, accused Rajendra Gautam (34), who has been working with Shah Rukh Khan’s family as a driver for seven years was on Wednesday arrested for raping the 17-year-old victim last week in a lodge at Nalasopara in neighbouring Thane district. ACP Shivaji Rao Kolekar said the girl hailing from Latur used to work at the residence of a celebrity, who is the wife of an ex-cricketer and a former Congress MP. Kolekar said the girl was searching for another job as she was not happy with the salary she was getting there. Through common friends Gautam learnt that the girl was looking for a job and hence he telephoned at the celebrity’s residence. — PTI
	Ansari to discuss bilateral issues with China DINESH KUMAR In Xian June 26 Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who arrived here on his maiden visit to China today evening, said he would discuss all matters of “bilateral agenda” with his Chinese counterpart while simultaneously emphasising on the continued relevance and applicability of the Panchsheel. His statement came in response to a question on whether he intended to discuss the continuing incidents of intrusion and aggression by China’s People’s Liberation Army along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). “All matters of bilateral agenda will be taken up,” he said while avoiding giving a direct answer to a supplementary question on whether Chinese military intrusions would specifically get discussed. “Bilateral agenda means bilateral agenda; that is the totality of substance between the two countries discussed from time to time. We will discuss but I cannot anticipate the talks”, he said. The two countries are scheduled to sign several bilateral agreements, most likely pertaining to trade and commerce. One issue on which Vice President Ansari was more forthcoming was the balance of trade. In reply to a question he said the two governments were working on this. “It is a matter of concern to us that while trade is increasing, the balance of trade is not coming down. The two governments are seized of the matter and will address them in time”, he said adding that Union Minister of Commerce Nirmala Sitaraman, who is accompanying him on the official visit, is expected to discuss this with her Chinese counterparts. That India attaches high importance to its relations with China was evident from Ansari’s opening statement at a brief interaction he held with the media on board the special Air India flight soon after take off from New Delhi. “China is a very important country. It is our most important neighbour. It is a country with which our bilateral trade is almost at the top with only one or two countries recording higher bilateral trade”, he said adding, “Both governments are committed to furthering our relations”. Ansari’s visit is the first by a high ranking Indian this year which incidentally has been designated as the ‘Year of Friendly Exchanges’. His visit is preceded by Premier Li Keqiang’s congratulatory phone call to newly elected Prime Minster Narendra Modi which was followed by a visit of a special Chinese envoy to New Delhi. The Vice President’s first port of entry in China today was the country’s cultural capital and historic city of Xian better known for its Terracota Warriors museum and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda which houses many replicas of the famed 7th century Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang’s translations of many Indian documents which, in turn, presents a unique insight into a slice of Indian history of that period. He is scheduled to meet the Communist Party of China’s secretary for Shaanxi province before arriving in Beijing tomorrow night. Incidentally, Shaanxi province is the birth place of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He was received by the Vice Governor of Shaanxi province Wang Lixia. In Beijing, the Vice President is scheduled to hold a set of both bilateral and trilateral meetings. His bilateral meetings with the Chinese leadership will include holding discussions with his counterpart Vice President Li Yuanchao, a meeting with Premier Li Keqiang and a call on President Xi Jinping. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with Myanmar President Thein Sein. But the significant occasion for which he is here is the India-China-Myanmar trilateral summit meeting to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic Panchsheel, a joint statement on which was issued by the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in New Delhi on June 28, 1954. Asked about the relevance of the Panchsheel, Ansari, who is a former IFS officer, replied “Panchsheel are of universal value. So much so that not only China, India and Myanmar, but the entire non alignment movement and a majority of the nations subscribe to it. Inter-state relations can only be on these principles”, he added pointing out that the “principles (of Panchsheel) are impeccable and there is no dispute about it.” The Panchsheel or the five principles of peaceful co-existence comprises mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non aggression, mutual non-interference, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence. ‘Most important neighbour’ * Vice-President Hamid Ansari said he would discuss all matters of "bilateral agenda" with his Chinese counterpart * China is India's most important neighbour, says Ansari * Several bilateral agreements, most likely pertaining to trade and commerce, to be signed during his visit * Arrived in China to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Panchsheel
	US negotiating MoU with India Washington, June 26 The US is in the process of negotiating a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India on women’s issues, a top Obama Administration official informed lawmakers saying they are “horrified” at the recent incidents of gang rape and murder of two girls in UP. “We are in the process of negotiating an MoU with the Indian government on women’s issues and I think that we’re fairly optimistic going forward,” the Ambassador At Large For Global Women’s Issues, Catherine M Russell said yesterday. She was speaking at a Congressional hearing, wherein lawmakers expressed deep concern over the recent episodes of violence against women in India and urged the US Government to hold talks with the Indian Government in this regard. “Obviously the stories of the gangrape hangings are absolutely horrifying. The interesting thing is that the Indian public had a very strong reaction to that as well and I think the politicians there are responding,” Russell said. It’ll be very interesting to see how the new Prime Minister reacts to this and we’re hopeful that there will be a positive and forward-thinking reaction, she added. “We are engaged in a dialogue with the Indian government and a women’s empowerment dialogue. That’s been going,” she said. — PTI
	Muslim reservation in Maharashtra draws flak Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, June 26 The decision by the Maharashtra Government to permit 5 per cent quota for Muslims in the government jobs and educational institutions has drawn the ire of the opposition BJP and Shiv Sena apart from prominent Hindu organisations. "The courts have already ruled against reservations on the basis of religion. This quota will also be struck down by the judiciary," BJP leader Vinod Tawde said. The Shiv Sena, too, felt that reservation on the basis of religion would not stand scrutiny by the courts. The party is, however, to decide on whether to oppose reservations for Muslims. Unlike the BJP, the Shiv Sena enjoys good support among the Muslims in the state and the party is carefully planning its strategy. Incidentally, a body claiming to be working on behalf of Muslims belonging to the backward castes has come out against reservations. "If reservations are extended to all Muslims, then only the upper caste Ashraf muslims will benefit," Shabbir Ansari of the All-India Muslim OBC Front told reporters here today. Ansari said only Muslims from backward castes be made eligible for reservations. Hindu organisations like the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti (HJS) have also opposed the move to provide reservations to Muslims. Party spokesman Ramesh Shinde said the move was unconstitutional. However, the HJS does not enjoy popular support in Maharashtra and is unlikely to make a major impact.
	Assam to have separate unit for intelligence Bijay Sankar Bora Tribune News Service Guwahati, June 26 The state government has decided to have a separate cadre for intelligence gathering. The decision to separate the intelligence wing from the Assam Police was taken at a law and order review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi late last evening. Sources said Chief Secretary Jitesh Khosla, Principal Secretary, Home and Political, MGVK Bhanu, Director General of Police Khagen Sarma and other senior officers were present in the meeting. Gogoi asked Khosla to initiate a slew of measures aimed at strengthening the intelligence network. The Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to take steps to separate the Intelligence Branch (now called Special Branch) from the police. “To improve professionalism and enhance operational efficiency, use of the latest technology by intelligence personnel is a must,” Gogoi said.
	Arunachal border roads in bad shape Treacherous terrain along LAC, weather conditions pose huge challenge to BRO Shaurya Karanbir Gurung Tribune News Service Bumla (Arunachal Pradesh), June 26 In the early days of October 1962, General BM Kaul, the 4 Corps Commander, travelled to the Dhola post, along Namka Chu in Arunachal Pradesh, where the Chinese troops were building up a strong offensive in a standoff with India. As the General was not acclimatised, he was carried by a set of five porters up the steep incline of a dirt track, since there were no roads there. Namka Chu falls in the Zimithang sector, west of the border town of Tawang, and is along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). A recent visit to this sector revealed that 52 years later, nothing much has changed. Most roads in this sector are still dirt tracks, barely allowing a single light vehicle to pass. One such track in this sector is from the “Old Log Bridge” or the “Drokung Samba Bridge”, beyond Surwa Samba, which runs up to the LAC. This track is historic, as it was along this that the Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet and came to India in 1959. It was also here that a very major battle was fought during the India-China war in 1962. No improvement is seen here either. Tawang, which is located east of Zimithang, despite being a border town, which India is so proud of, also suffers from the same problem. To reach Tawang, one has to travel on National Highway from Bomdila through the Sela Pass at an altitude of 14,000 feet. As the passage is steep and prone to landslides, it makes it all the more uncomfortable to travel. Beyond the Sela Pass lies the Nuranang Valley in a bowl-shaped depression surrounded by steep cliffs on all its sides. The road here is zigzag and at places converts to a dirt track covered with loose stones. The road beyond Tawang to Bumla on the LAC is another nightmare. Affected by snow and poor visibility, this road is more of a rocky stretch. It makes travel time consuming and backbreaking. The Chinese territory starts beyond the “heap of stones” at Bumla. The “heap of stones” is a pile of rocks on the LAC to which every tourist or visitor adds one stone as a mark of respect to the Indian soldiers who were martyred in the war. The Chinese have built a tarmac road up to this point. Beyond the “heap of stones” lies the Tibetan plateau. Topographically, the plateau is gifted with better terrain, which despite being at a high altitude allows China to develop its infrastructure. “China has been developing and planning the construction of their strategic roads over the past 30 years. We were merely connecting our villages and towns near the LAC. It was only recently that we decided to go closer to the border,” says Lt Gen Ravi Shankar, who retired as Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012. In the early 1980s, the construction of border roads took a backseat among Indian planners, primarily to prevent the Chinese from entering the hinterland, if there were to be a repeat of 1962. However, the incursion by Chinese troops in the Sumdorong Chu valley in Arunachal Pradesh in April 1986 made India have a relook at this strategy. In keeping with this change in strategy, a plan was drawn up in 2006 for constructing 73 strategic roads along the India-China border, known as the India-China Border Roads (ICBR). Sources explained that there was a delay in the construction of the border roads mainly because of the weather. The rains begin in April and last till August and the winters, which start from November and end in March, bring snow. The BRO, the agency responsible for constructing roads along the Indian side of the LAC, only has a period of two months— September to October— to adequately work on the roads. “Once you disturb a hillside for widening the road, you have to deal with the landslides. In some cases, rainwater seeps into the tarmac and if it freezes. It causes internal expansion of road, slowly breaking it. The cement also has to be placed on a dry surface,” commented an officer. The zigzags and bumps * In the early 1980s, the construction of border roads was on the back burner, primarily because Indian planners wanted to prevent the Chinese from entering the hinterland * The incursion by Chinese troops in the Sumdorong Chu valley in Arunachal Pradesh in April 1986 made India re-look this strategy * The BRO only has a period of two months- September to October- to adequately work on the border roads * Mountainous terrain on the Indian side of the border adds to the delay in road construction.