'Voter turnout proves Arunachal's love for India'

The high voter turnout of 81 percent in the just-concluded assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh has not only proved the people's "patriotic" spirit but also silenced all critics," Governor General (retired) J J Singh said on Sunday.

Talking to newsmen soon after administering the oath of office and secrecy to Dorjee Khandu, who on Sunday was sworn in as the fifth chief minister of the border state, Singh said, "The historic elections, in which people have given their verdict in a free and fair atmosphere, proved Arunachal Pradesh is a proud part of India and how patriotic the Arunachalees are."

"By their robust participation in the democratic process Arunachalees have silenced all critics," the former army chief said, without referring to the oft-repeated Chinese claims on the territory of the tribal border state.

Congratulating the people, the governor said now the implementation of the Rs 24,000-crore package, announced by the prime minister for the state last year, would satisfy their aspirations.

With Khandu sitting beside him, the governor hoped that the chief minister in his second term would work with renewed vigour to make Arunachal a vibrant and front-ranking state.