Rafale jets bring joy to Ambala residents

Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Ambala, July 29

Ambala residents were elated on the arrival of the first batch of five Rafale jets at the Air Force Station in Ambala on Wednesday.

The residents were eagerly waiting since morning and all eyes, especially in Ambala Cantonment, were on the sky to see the fighter jets.

The roads leading towards the Air Force Station were closed and tight security arrangements were made by the administration.

The district administration had imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in four villages falling in the vicinity of the airbase. A large number of people had stopped their vehicles on the national highway to catch the glimpse of the Rafale jets.

While the residents distributed sweets, performed havan, released balloons and danced to show their enthusiasm, hoardings of BJP leaders were erected at many places in Ambala to welcome the fighter jets.

A local resident said, “Everybody is talking about Ambala today. We are celebrating the arrival of Rafale by distributing sweets.”

Another resident, who had parked his car on the highway, said, “We are waiting to see Rafale coming. We feel proud as the planes are coming to Ambala first.”

Ambala City MLA Aseem Goel danced while holding the national flag in his hand to show his happiness. He said, “It is a matter of pride for all of us that the much-awaited weapon has arrived today. The 1857 Revolt, the First War of Independence, started from Ambala Cantonment and now, Rafale is being stationed here. Ex-servicemen and residents all are very happy. Had there not been a fear of Covid spread, the atmosphere would have been different in Ambala.”

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij said, “This is a very proud and historic moment for us that the Rafale jets will be stationed in Ambala Cantonment.” He also tweeted from his official handle to welcome the jets.