ITANAGAR, Jul 4: Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Eastern Air Command, Shillong, Air Marshal R.D. Mathur, AVSM, VSM, today called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brig. (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) here at Raj Bhavan. The Air Marshal also called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu today in a separate meeting.
Meeting the Governor, the AOC-in-C discussed about the recent aircraft crash, air assistance to the state government and its people during emergencies and scope for employment of local youths in Indian Air Force. Governor conveyed his appreciation to Eastern Air Command for its help during the recently concluded simultaneous elections in state and for the proactive role in providing assistance to the people of the state during emergencies.
The Governor, who has been spearheading the efforts for employment of local youths in Armed Forces through programmes like ‘Pay Back to Society Group’ etc., asked the AOC-in-C to explore possibilities for an enhanced quota of recruitment for the state’s youths.  He also conveyed his deep condolences for the bereaved families of the Air Force personnel who lost their lives in the recent AN 32 aircraft crash.
AOC-in-C while welcoming the suggestions of the Governor, assured him that Eastern Air Command will do its best for the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Commissioner to Governor, R. P. Upadhyaya, IPS was also present in the meeting.
During his meeting with the CM, the AOC-in-C expressed gratitude to the Arunachal Pradesh government for extending  support and assistance to IAF in search and rescue operations after the unfortunate crash of AN-32 aircraft in the mountains  of Shi-Yomi district adding that it was only with active support and cooperation of the state government through its district administrations and local people, the daunting task could be completed. He said it  was  unfortunate that airlifting of the rescuers, which included local mountaineer Taka Tamut was delayed due to inclement weather and they had to camp in the mountains for almost 11 days although enough ration was airdropped for them to survive for another 15 days.
As an expression of gratitude, Mathur said that IAF would suitably honour the local persons who helped the force in the mission.
Khandu offered condolences to the departed personnel aboard the ill-fated aircraft and assured cooperation and support to the armed forces when in need. He also said that local mountaineer Taka Tamut would be suitably honoured by the state government too.
The duo also discussed various issues particularly on acquisition of land by IAF for defense purposes.Acquisition of land for firing range in East Kameng district and for strategic installations in Shi-Yomi and Tawang districts were discussed in detail. The IAF also offered to construct high-rise boundary wall around the firing range at Dollungmukh so that splinters do not go out and animals or people do not come in. Chief Minister requested the IAF to take the local administration into confidence and alert in advance with regard to firing exercises by IAF at Dollungmukh.
The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Satya Gopal and Secretary to CM Sonam Chombay. PRO Raj Bhavan, CMO

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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