Shimla, April 2 -- Sharp exchanges, pointed questions, and even a touch of humour defined the Himachal Pradesh Assembly as members debated the ambitious Rs.3,500 crore expansion of Gaggal Airport in Kangra district on Thursday. The legislators across party lines pressed the government on land acquisition, rehabilitation, and regional connectivity in the region.

The issue was raised through a Legislative Question by BJP MLA Pawan Kajal, who flagged concerns about 80-90 families residing in the Gaggal area for the past five to six decades on land allotted by panchayats. He questioned whether these families would be treated at par with private landowners in terms of compensation in case of displacement.

Responding, Chief Minister Sukhvinde...