Set up defence production unit in Assam: Gogoi urges Parrikar

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has requested Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to set up a major defence production unit in the state.

In a letter to Parrikar on Monday, Gogoi said the setting up of a defence production unit would not only enable the people of the state get employment opportunities like other parts of the country but it would also strengthen the growing emotional bond of the locals with the armed forces.

Gogoi said that in spite of the sizeable deployment of armed forces for protecting the nation from foreign aggression and in combating insurgency through the Unified Command structure, there was no major defence production unit in the state for development and production of arms, ammunition and defence equipment.

"It is felt that a major defence production unit should be set up in our state so that Assam is not left out of the purview of the 'Make in India' policy as well as the policies for Defence Procurement and Defence Production which are aimed at establishing a vibrant domestic defence manufacturing sector," he said.

Gogoi said the state government would provide all the necessary support, including land for the purpose.