Himalayan News Service

Mugu, May 14:

Air services at Talchha, the only airport in the remote district of Mugu, are stalled for lack of a permanent security camp. The airport is about two hours’ walk from district headquarters, Gamgadi.

Built two years ago, the airport was abandoned following a Maoist attack last year.

In the absence of a permanent security camp, forces from district headquarters arrive to guard the occasional flights and return the same day, Hirajan Kafle, acting chief of Talcha airport said.

Kafle added the security forces also have to carry communication sets because the ones at the airport got damaged during the Maoist attack.

The airport office and tower also were damaged.

“We have neither an office nor a tower. So, when we get information that a plane due to land we wait near the runway with communication sets brought from district headquarters and return after the plane has taken off,” Kafle said.

Kafle disclosed that the airport brass had rented a room in Gamgadi. The office has two staff. “How long are we supposed to make do?” grumbled Kafle.