No request to look for MIG: Govt

Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 24:

India is yet to formally request Nepal to help trace the MIG-27 fighter aircraft that went missing after taking off from the Hashimara airbase in West Bengal state on May 19.

The aircraft had lost radio contact with the ground control 10 minutes after take off on a short haul flight to Bagdogra.

"We are yet to receive a formal request from India", spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Madan Bhattarai, today told this daily. However, he says that the Indian Embassy has informally approached the government regarding the search for the lost aircraft. Officials in the Indian Embassy said they would make a formal request if they get any hint that the missing aircraft entered Nepal.