Centre’s decision to set up Air Force base at Gaggal Airport hailed

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Kangra MP Shanta Kumar on Friday hailed the decision of the Indian Government to set up Air Force base at Gaggal airport in Kangra district.
Shanta Kumar said that the Air Force base at Gaggal Airport would prove strategically important decision in view of increasing tensions with neighbouring countries, Pakistan and China. “This would not only prove beneficial from security point of view but it would also benefit tourists and locals as the civil airport would also get expanded,” he said, adding that it would also contribute towards the development of the state.
The Kangra MP said that the Centre had also given its go ahead for construction of Pathankot-Leh-Ladakh railway line and four laning of Pathankot-Mandi state highway.
He assured the local residents whose land would be acquired for setting airbase, of adequate compensation of their land and said that Centre government would work towards their rehabilitation so that they would not have to face much inconvenience. “The locals would face inconvenience due to acquisition of their land but they should understand that it would not only strengthen India’s strategic position in northern region and also lead to develop of the area,” he added.

thestatesman