Arunachal CM Pema Khandu alleges 'massive misuse' of Frontier Highway funds; officials suspended

Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on November 21 raised concerns over alleged large-scale corruption in land compensation for the Lada–Sarli stretch of the Frontier Highway, stating that preliminary findings show “massive misuse” of public funds.

Speaking at the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) general conference in Koloriang, Khandu said the state would take strict action once the inquiry is completed and that misuse of taxpayer money will not be tolerated.

The chief minister noted that irregularities in the compensation process have delayed the Frontier Highway project, a strategically important road running along the India–China border.

Officially designated as National Highway 913, the highway covers approximately 1,750 to 1,840 km and aims to improve defence preparedness and connectivity for remote frontier villages.

While the project was targeted for completion by March 2027, the timeline is now expected to be extended.

In response to the allegations, the state government has suspended four officials and recommended the suspension of IAS officer Himanshu Nigam for alleged involvement in fraudulent land valuation and compensation.

The Fact-Finding Committee (FFC) reported irregularities such as payments for non-existent assets and inflated valuations. Its final report is expected on November 30, 2025.

Khandu urged community-based organisations, including the NES, to lead anti-corruption efforts and address the growing “money culture,” particularly with upcoming panchayat and municipal elections.

He stressed that community vigilance is essential to prevent such scams.

Beyond addressing corruption, the chief minister highlighted the NES’s role in fostering unity among Arunachal’s tribes.

He welcomed the society’s focus on environmental concerns and expressed concern over widespread hill-cutting, especially in the Itanagar Capital Region.

He also called for reforms to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to curb illegal entry into the state, promote the dignity of labour to reduce reliance on migrant workers, improve education quality, and strengthen community campaigns against drug abuse.

The Frontier Highway is considered a key strategic project for India and transformative for Arunachal Pradesh’s frontier districts.

However, the ongoing allegations of corruption have raised public demands for greater accountability and transparency in the project.