Kiren Rijiju dedicates Pasighat ALG to nation

Pasighat (Arunachal): Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday dedicated to the nation the Pasighat advanced landing ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh which will allow fighter aircraft like Su 30 MKI to land and take off, in a major fillip to India's military capabilities along its border with China. Terming it a red letter day in the history of the state, Rijiju said with the formal inauguration of the ALG that is capable of operating all types of aircraft and helicopters after Tezpur and Chabua, development process has started in the state which was lagging behind even after 70 years of independence. Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command, who was present on the occasion said, "The ALG would enhance air support capability for the Army, paramilitary forces and the civil administration would facilitate air connectivity for the people of Arunachal Pradesh with the rest of the country." Pasighat ALG is a strategic asset and would be one of the operating bases under the Eastern Air Command capable of operating all types of aircraft and helicopters, Easterm Air Command spokesperson said. Activation of this ALG would not only improve the response time for various operational situations but also the efficacy of the air operations in the eastern frontier. The Union Minister of State for Home said, "The Northeast region abundant with rich natural resources is lagging behind in terms of development due to various reasons and the NDA government at the Centre is committed for its development on par with other parts of the country." "The Northeast, a jewel in the country's crown was known to the rest of the country only after the 1962 Chinese aggression," he said. Rijiju added that the commitment of the Centre was proved after Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed all the ministers to personally visit the region along with departmental officers to oversee the requirements.