ITANAGAR, 5 Jun: Governor KT Parnaik has stressed the need to strengthen the network of advanced landing grounds (ALGs) across the state to boost national security, disaster management and connectivity.

Parnaik also lauded the Indian Air Force for its crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster response in remote areas of the state.

During a meeting with Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia, in Shillong on Thursday, the governor highlighted the strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh and said well-maintained ALGs are vital for national security, disaster management, improved connectivity and the development of border areas.

 Parnaik, who was in Shillong to attend the plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), held detailed discussions with Walia on issues related to air connectivity, border infrastructure, and disaster response, an official statement said.

He commended the IAF for carrying out ration-dropping operations, airlifting essential supplies, evacuating patients during medical emergencies, and providing timely assistance during natural disasters and other emergencies.

Walia also reaffirmed the Eastern Air Command’s commitment to humanitarian assistance, emergency response, connectivity and national security, the statement said.

Another statement issued by the Lok Bhavan on Friday said the governor had a detailed discussion with Assam Rifles Director General Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera on issues concerning border management.

Lakhera assured Parnaik that the Assam Rifles would continue to work closely with the state government and local communities to strengthen border security, while preserving the longstanding goodwill and bonhomie with the people, it said. (Lok Bhavan, with PTI input)