Himachal Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on Monday called on Union Defence Minister Nirmala Seetharaman at New Delhi and placed a demand for “Himachal Regiment” to recognise the gallant services of soldiers of the hill state in defence forces.
He said more than 1200 soldiers laid down their lives for the motherland and 1100 gallantry awards including four PVC have been conferred to Himachalis. Thakur also informed the Defence Minister that armed forces were the most preferred career choice for the state youth however, recruitment quota for the state has been reduced after implementation of RMP (Recruitable Male Population) concept and requested for increasing the same.
The Chief Minister also urged for development of Kangra airport for Air Force and added that with the expansion of the airport it can be used for defence purposes for landing fighter planes, heavy aircrafts and can be an alternative to Pathankot airport as the second line of defence on account of its safe distance from the border and strategic location.
He said that this will require acquisition of additional 571 acre land, the cost of which will need to be met by the defence ministry. He also requested for an assurance that civilian flights will continue to be operated from the airport even after its development as defence asset.