Imphal, March 12, 2010: Taking into cognisance the relentless Chinese threat in North Eastern region and the country, setting up of an Indian Air Force base in Manipur has been proposed and the State Government has already discussed the matter.

According to a highly placed source, the State Government has been approached for its approval in connection with the survey work to be conducted for setting up the proposed Air Force base in Manipur.

The Air Force base which would be used for the purpose of surveillance and other security reasons has been proposed in Manipur to counter increasing threats from China in India and more particularly in North East region.

Disclosing that the proposed Air Force base in Manipur would be set up not in the valley but in the hills, the source explained that radar and other sophisticated equipments would be installed and there would be facilities for helipad at the proposed Air Force base whose main responsibilities would be to monitor aircrafts flying from across the border and other illegal activities.

Similar proposal for setting up base of the Indian Air Force has also been put before the Government of Mizoram, the source disclosed, adding that Air Force authority has given more preference to Mizoram.

Meanwhile, a meeting chaired by Commissioner of Home, Government of Manipur V Vumlunmang and attended by Joint General Manager of Airport Authority of India was held today to discuss the proposal of the Air Force.

The proposal would be taken up for further discussion by the Home Department to the State Government again.

In case the Government approves the proposal, the Air Force authority would despatch its officials for the required survey work.

The Air Force officials would survey for at least two to three possible sites in the hill areas.

It may be noted here China has been not only claiming Arunachal Pradesh as its part but has also set up one of its air force bases near the Myanmarese coast of the Bay of Bengal.

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