Bhubaneswar, March 23: The BJD today demanded that the Assembly should adopt a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to raise a regiment named after Kalinga.

Raising the issue, BJD's Amar Prasad Satpathy said the demand was also made before Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar during his visit to the city yesterday.

"If the Kalinga regiment is raised, many youths from the state can get into it and serve the nation," said Satpathy.

Stating that the raising of Kalinga Regiment is a long-standing demand of the state involving its security and self-pride, the BJD leader said Odisha had a 480km coastline and there was the possibility of terrorist intrusion through the sea.

Parrikar had said: "One cannot raise regiments only on the basis of caste or region. However, I will ensure that the impact of defence activities is felt more in Odisha, which is strategically located."

Stating that Odisha was strategically located with major establishments such as the Integrated Test Range Centre at Chandipur located along its coast, the Union minister had said while the issue of setting up a Kalinga Regiment had just been raised before him, he would see to it that defence activities in the state were augmented with more defence production centres, enhanced training of personnel and greater employment for the youths of the state.

The raising of a regiment named after the state's ancient name has been a long-standing demand. It was first raised by then chief minister Biju Patnaik, who is also the father of present chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

Supporting the demand, employment and technical education and training minister Sanjay Das Burma, who heads the BJD's youth wing said: "Biju babu had taken it up with the Centre. The Centre should initiate steps in this regard."

Parrikar had also said the British-era Amarda airstrip on the borders of Mayurbhanj and Balasore district would be revived after a proposal in this regard was received.

"After getting the proposal from the right forum, we will take up this issue with the Airports Authority of India," said Parrikar.