Our Correspondent / New Delhi

The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, has demanded formation of a Himalayan regiment in the army. He raised this demand after a courtesy call on Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh on his assuming charge of his office here.

While discussing various issues pertaining to Himachal Pradesh, he said that valour of soldiers and officers of Himachal Pradesh is known across the country and a large numbers of Himachali youth are serving in the army.

The Chief Minister requested the Union Minister for construction of proposed airport in Mandi district. He said that keeping in view of its strategic location, the airport can prove very helpful for defence purpose. He informed that survey work has been done for the airport and requested for speedy completion of rest of the formalities.

Mr Singh thanked the Chief Minister for the good wishes and assured to look into the issues discussed. Chief Secretary B K Agarwal was also present in the meeting.