26 lighting signals found stolen from runway, case registered
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 27:
It is a paradox alright but even as the Civil Aviation Ministry has agreed to the proposal to start chopper service from Tulihal airport to Moreh and other district headquarters of the hill districts, matter has come to light that 26 lighting signals installed at the runway of Tulihal airport have been stolen.
Tulihal airport has been identified as the most sensitive airport in the North East region and the security was supposed to be fool proof but the theft of the 26 lighting signals right from the runway has exposed the security loopholes, said a well placed source.
The matter has already been reported by the Airport Authority of India and a case has been registered with the police.
The lighting signals were stolen on May 24.The Deputy General Manager of the Airport Authority of India, Air Traffic Control has written to the State Principal Secretary, Home, highlighting the issue.
Though the stolen items is worth only about Rs 13,546, the Deputy General Manager of the Airport mentioned in his report that this was the third such instance of theft at the high security airport.
Earlier, 24 iron pipes used for construction purposes of the airport were also stolen, said the complaint submitted to the police.
The State Government has been asked to extend all its possible co-operation in checking such unsavoury incidents.
Security at the airport is provided by the CRPF and the Maratha Light Infantry.
A case has been registered with the Singjamei police but till date there is no report of any arrest, said police sources.
On the other hand, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry has agreed to the proposal of the State Government to start chopper service from Imphal to the district headquarters in the hills and Moreh if it is feasible.
The chopper service may be on a daily basis or on a weekly basis, said a well placed source.
Following the new development, the State Transport Commissioner has written to the Principal Secretary, Home and the GAD to approach the Union Home Ministry.
If the Union Home Ministry gives a positive reply, then the chopper service will start soon.
The State Government has also prepared the ground work to effectively present its case to the Home Ministry, added the source.
Outer Lok Sabha MP Mani Charenamei had earlier met the Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and highlighted the need to introduce chopper service in the State.
Chief Minister O Ibobi and his Council of Ministers had earlier hired helicopters from the Indian Air Force to travel to the hill districts, two times last year and three times this year.