Helicopter service cancelled for the day due to 'heavy rain' in Imphal, Jiri passengers cry 'lies'
Source: The Sangai Express
Jiribam, September 25 2018:
The Imphal-Jiribam Helicopter Service is turning into a 'farce' said Jiribam passengers who bought tickets to fly to Imphal today.
The passengers who bought tickets for 9.50 am trip and 2.55 pm trip were turned away saying there will be no helicopter service today d,ue to 'heavy rain' in Imphal, said a passenger who does not wished to be named to this correspondent.
The passengers phoned relatives and friends in many places of Imphal and confirmed it was not raining in Imphal contradicting the authority's claim, he said.
Lack of passengers from Imphal might have been the reason for the cancellation of their trips and non-arrival of the helicopter, alleged the passengers who were furious over the clarification given by the authority and accused the authority of 'lying' .
Authorities must give proper explanation and true information to the passengers in such circumstances, said the passengers and questioned if the service is going to end abruptly and silently breaking what it promises to deliver.
It may be noted that the first of its kind in Manipur, the Imphal-Jiribam Helicopter Service was launched by Chief Minister N Biren Singh on September 19 at Jiribam promising smooth service.
However, it is reported that there has been no flight after September 20 till now.
Urging the authorities concerned and the Government to look into the matter, the passengers appealed the Chief Minister to assure smooth service.
Meanwhile, the passengers lamented the deteriorated 7 km road to helipad from proper Jiri and said that the passengers are facing immense difficulties and inconveniences on road.
They appealed the authorities concerned to renovate/reconstruct the road.