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Assam CM: New Moran Airstrip Boosts Northeast Security Near China

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran, highlighting its strategic importance for regional security. He noted its location just 200 km from China and 70 km from Myanmar makes it a critical asset for defense preparedness. The facility, built with the Indian Air Force, can handle military and civilian aircraft for emergencies and disaster response. Sarma also listed other key projects like railways to Tawang and new tunnels, framing them as a response to historical vulnerabilities and current threats.

Key Points: Assam CM on Moran Emergency Landing Facility's Strategic Role

  • First such facility in Northeast India
  • Enhances emergency & military response
  • Located 200 km from China border
  • Part of broader strategic infra push
  • Dual-use for fighter & transport aircraft
3 min read

"ELF Moran to provide strategic security to Northeast": Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam CM Himanta Sarma says the new Moran ELF strengthens defense near China & Myanmar, highlighting key NE infrastructure projects.

"ELF Moran is a high-stakes project... it has given a strong message that India is ready to face the enemy. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, February 15

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the newly inaugurated Emergency Landing Facility on the Moran Bypass in Assam's Dibrugarh will provide strategic security to India's Northeast and strengthen the region's defence preparedness.

Speaking at a press conference, Sarma described the project as a "high-stakes project", one located 200 km from China and 70 km from Myanmar, noting that it sends a strong signal that India is prepared to face any enemy threats.

"ELF Moran is a high-stakes project. It is a project which will provide strategic security to the Northeast. ELF Moran is located in a strategic location; it is 200 km from China and 70 km from Myanmar. In the presence of the Prime Minister, it has given a strong message that India is ready to face the enemy," the Assam CM said.

The ELF is the first of its kind in Northeast India and was designed and constructed in coordination with the Indian Air Force to support the landing and takeoff of military and civilian aircraft during emergencies.

It will serve as a critical asset for emergency response, enabling quick deployment of rescue and relief operations during natural disasters or strategic requirements in the Northeast.

Envisioned as dual-use infrastructure, the ELF is capable of handling fighter aircraft up to 40 tonnes and transport aircraft up to 74 tonnes maximum take-off weight.

Sarma also highlighted that multiple strategic infrastructure projects are underway in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, including a rail line to Tawang, the construction of two highways, the Numaligarh-Gohpur tunnel, and a railway corridor beneath the Chicken Neck.

"Strategic Infrastructures are going on in Arunachal Pradesh; the rail line will go upto Tawang, construction works of two highways are going on. After Arunachal Pradesh, Assam is a backup state, a strategic theatre. In case of war, Assam is very, very strategic. Moran ELF, the Numaligarh-Gohpur tunnel and Railway Corridor beneath the Chicken Neck. These are very important strategic projects," he added.

Recalling the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Assam Chief Minister said that the state had been left exposed due to the lack of defence assets and noted that the government has since sanctioned and is implementing several projects to secure the Northeast against potential threats, including perceived threats during movements such as the CAA protests.

Securing Assam and the Northeast, Sarma emphasised, remains a primary thrust of the central government.

"Assam has seen the 1962 war. We don't have any assets at that time. We have backup at Tezpur, and we even had to evacuate Tezpur. The Government of India is developing numerous assets in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. However, during the CAA movement, there was an open threat of cutting the chickens' necks. So all these perceived threats have been taken into calculation and lots of projects to secure the Northeast have been sanctioned and are being sanctioned by the Prime Minister," he stated.

"Securing Assam, in the Northeast, is one of the biggest thrusts of the Narendra Modi government," Sarma added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see strategic thinking for the region. However, I hope the "dual-use" aspect is genuine and it also significantly improves civilian disaster response. We need better connectivity and relief during floods, which are a yearly tragedy here.
R
Rohit P
Finally! The 1962 war lesson should never be forgotten. Building strong defensive assets in Assam and Arunachal is non-negotiable. The ELF, along with the new tunnels and railways, sends a clear message to our northern neighbour. Strength brings peace.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in Guwahati, infrastructure development is key. But I sincerely hope the environmental impact of these projects in such ecologically sensitive zones is being managed responsibly. Development and ecology must go hand in hand.
V
Vikram M
Strategic security is important, but mentioning CAA protests in the same breath as external threats feels inappropriate. The focus should remain purely on national defence and disaster management for the benefit of all citizens in the Northeast.
K
Karthik V
Excellent news. This is nation-building in the truest sense. Connecting Tawang by rail and securing the Chicken's Neck are game-changers for the region's economy and security. A strong Northeast means a stronger India.

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