Shillong, March 15: The restrictions imposed on villagers residing near the air force station at Shillong Peak here have irked Opposition legislator Ardent M. Basaiawmoit, who demanded relocation of the base to resolve the problem.

Raising the issue during zero hour in the Assembly today, Basaiawmoit brought to the notice of the state government that the entry of civilians via the air force station to Pomlakrai village and nearby villages as well as to Shillong Peak, had been restricted following the attack on the air force base at Pathankot.

Basaiawmoit represents Nongkrem Assembly constituency, under which the air force station falls.

According to the MLA, the restriction had affected the movement of people residing near the air force station, as they had no option except to pass through the road and gates under the supervision of the air force there.

The MLA said after the restriction was imposed, the air force had started constructing a wall, which might lead to the closure of many gates being used by the civilians. Urging the government to find a solution to the problem, Basaiawmoit said if possible, the station should be relocated.

"This restriction is causing harassment to the people, as they have no alternative but to go through the entry and exit gates of the air force," Basaiawmoit said.

In his reply, chief minister Mukul Sangma admitted that after the Pathankot incident on January 2, the gates were closed down heightened security.

He said the restriction of entry and exit was not only at the air force station, but around the army stations located in the city as well.

Sangma said the issue had been taken up with the air force which had assured him of opening the gates for the movement of civilians at restricted hours.

According to Sangma, there were two tiers of security to check tourists who visit Shillong Peak at gate-I and gate-II. Checking in the first tier was being done by state police and second by the air force personnel.

On the construction of a wall by the air force, Sangma said the district administration has been also asked to coordinate with the authorities concerned. He added that the relocation of the air force station was a matter for the Centre to decide.

Shillong Peak, which is the highest point in the state at 6,449 feet above sea level, is a major tourist attraction.

Hundreds of tourists pass through the station in a day to go to the viewpoint for a bird's eye view of the city.

On January 6, the defence PRO here, Amit Mahajan, said during a civil-military liaison meeting, a proposal was made to the Meghalaya government by the air force station authorities to construct an access road outside the air force station to reach the viewpoint.

Mahajan had said the restriction might continue as long as the high-alert warning persists.