Dimapur, Dec. 20 (EMN): Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), Major General Vikas Lakhera, launched the construction of helipad in Ruzazho village under Phek district on Tuesday.
A defence release stated that with the flag-off ceremony, land excavators (JCB) were pressed in to service in the leveling work at the helipad site. It added that the villagers are now eagerly waiting for the work to finish so that they could welcome the first helicopter landing in the village.
It mentioned that Ruzazho village held special significance in the history as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had stayed in the village for nine days during World War 2. It was also known to be the first Azad Hind Sarkar administered village in India. It stated that Major General Lakhera travelled from Kohima to Ruzazho for the solemn event. He was accompanied by Brigadier Herjinder Singh, commander of 5 Sector Assam Rifles, Colonel Umesh Sati, commandant of 1st Assam Rifles and Sanjay Tandan, commandant of 111 BSF Battalion.
The flag-off ceremony was followed with visit to Morung in Ruzazho village where Netaji had stayed for nine days. During the visit, a prayer was said by Muralhu Shijo, pastor of Ruzazho Baptist Church, while the welcome address was delivered by Sesato Swuro.
Addressing the villagers, the IGAR (North) thanked the almighty and the villagers for giving him an opportunity to be their midst. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and wished peace and love. He also assured of a medical camp in the village in the coming times.
Report stated that the village elders were presented with blankets, while the children were gifted with tea mugs specially designed for the festive season by Assam Rifles.
It stated that the villagers and children presented traditional folk song and dance to mark the solemn occasion.
It further stated that the helipad, once constructed, would not only increase the options for tourism in the village but also help the villagers and its surrounding areas in time of medical emergency.