Guwahati, February 14 – Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi on Saturday welcomed the inauguration of the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that national security must always take precedence over political considerations.
Reacting to the inauguration of this strategically important facility, Gogoi said that any initiative taken in the interest of the country's security and sovereignty deserves support.
"For me, the nation comes first, and security comes first. Any work done to strengthen India's defense preparedness must be supported, regardless of who is in power," he said.
This statement carries significant political weight, as it contrasts with the position taken by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who had earlier raised objections to the Emergency Landing Facility project at Moran.
Without directly naming the Congress leader, Gogoi said that defense infrastructure should not be viewed through a political lens.
"Defense infrastructure is not about politics or parties. It is about safeguarding the country and ensuring preparedness in times of crisis. Such matters should rise above political differences," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emergency Landing Facility on the Moran bypass in Dibrugarh district on Saturday, the first such facility in the Northeast.
The ELF is designed to enable the Indian Air Force to land and operate fighter jets and transport aircraft during emergencies, significantly enhancing defense preparedness in the eastern sector.
Security experts said that the Moran ELF is strategically important, given Assam's proximity to international borders and its role in the Northeast.
The facility is also expected to support disaster response, emergency operations, and the rapid deployment of defense forces.
Gogoi said that Assam should take pride in contributing to the country's defense infrastructure.
"The people of Assam have always stood firmly with the nation. Infrastructure that strengthens India's security also strengthens the confidence of our people," he said.
The inauguration of the Moran ELF marks a key development in strengthening defense infrastructure in the Northeast.
