Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and independent MP from Purnia Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav.
Jagran correspondent, Purnia. Independent MP from Purnia Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav met the country's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi today. On this occasion, while wishing New Year, he informed the Defense Minister about the strategic, social and strategic importance of Purnia Lok Sabha constituency located in Seemanchal region of Bihar. The MP said that Purnia is not only the main administrative and social center of Seemanchal, but due to its proximity to North-East India and Nepal border, it is also a very important area from the national security point of view. Over the years, the youth here have been actively participating in army recruitment and a large number of ex-servicemen reside in this area, which reflects the strong tradition of service to the nation.
Discussed Purnia's strategic security and air service.
MP Pappu Yadav told the Defense Minister that the youth of Seemanchal region have a strong feeling of serving the country, but due to lack of resources and institutional facilities, they are not getting adequate opportunities. In this background, he proposed the establishment of Sainik School in Purnia area, pre-training center for army recruitment, expansion of District Sainik Welfare Office, military canteen polyclinic or military hospital, DRDO field unit or defense research center, expansion of NCC training facilities and construction of martyr memorial or brave memorial site. The MP said that the establishment of these institutions will not only provide training and employment opportunities to the local youth, but will also strengthen the strategic capability of the area.
Advice on better platform letter for national service
MP Pappu Yadav also underlined that the development of defense related structures in a sensitive and border area like Seemanchal will strengthen the broader framework of national security. The MP urged that the Defense Ministry should quickly take positive decisions on these proposals and provide necessary instructions and approvals, so that the youth of Purnia and surrounding districts can get a better platform to serve the nation.
Defense Minister listened seriously to the MP's words
The Defense Minister listened seriously to the MP's views and assured that these proposals would be considered with the concerned departments. During the same meeting, MP Pappu Yadav also strongly raised the issue of sudden closure of Purnia-Delhi air service from 19 to 26 January. While submitting a detailed memorandum to the Defense Minister, he said that Purnia Airport is the only active airport in the Seemanchal-Kosi region of Bihar. Indigo Airlines' only direct flight service from here to Delhi started from 26 October 2025, bringing a historic change in regional connectivity. About 200 passengers were benefiting from this flight every day, which included students, patients, businessmen, government employees and common citizens traveling to Delhi for employment.
The MP said that surprisingly, during the Republic Day period from 19 to 26 January 2026, this only flight has been completely canceled without any written notice, alternative arrangement or concrete reason. He clarified that under NOTAM, a no-fly window of about two and a half hours is imposed every year from 10:20 to 12:45 on the occasion of Republic Day at Delhi I Airport only, which impacts all airlines equally. Despite this, hundreds of other flights are being operated by adjusting their timings, while closing down an important regional service like Purnia-Delhi for the entire eight days is a completely disproportionate and disproportionate decision. He said that neither any weather related obstruction has been reported, nor has any evidence of any technical fault emerged nor has the airport management received any formal letter from Indigo Airlines. Students, patients and working people will suffer the most from this decision.