IAF Chief visits Arunachal Pradesh, assures support to state

Itanagar, Jan 7: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria on Wednesday assured the full support of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to Arunachal Pradesh whenever required.

During his maiden visit to this Himalayan border state Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria called on Governor Brig (Retd) Dr B. D. Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu and discussed issues related to national security, recruitment of youth from the State and humanitarian missions of the IAF in the State.

During the meeting with Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the IAF Chief assured cooperation for providing defence pilots to meet the shortages of pilots for fixed-wing civilian aircrafts to be operated for the State. Discussion on Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) for Dirang and Anini was held to which the IAF officials responded favorably.

The Chief Minister assured cooperation of the State government to the IAF in its defence preparedness. Khandu expressed his gratitude to the IAF for always being at the forefront in extending humanitarian assistance to the state. He said the IAF has been very helpful especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Mishra also expressed gratitude to the IAF for generating confidence among the people of the State by airlifting them in case of emergency. Dr Mishra suggested to conducting recruitment rallies, preceded by IAF awareness camps at its forward air bases in the State. He said such initiative would motivate and encourage youth of the State to join the Armed Forces.

Acknowledging the commendable proficiency and professionalism of the IAF in performing their assigned operational tasks especially during medical emergencies and national calamities, the Governor said that IAF has always been very prompt in humanitarian missions.

The Governor recalled an incident, when he requested the Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station at Tezpur in Assam, for requisitioning another helicopter for early evacuation of a complicated pregnancy case from Tawang, which was instantly and effectively carried out. “Our people look forward for continued assistance and indulgence of the IAF in their sustenance,” added the Governor.