Steep rise in air fare disturbs JD (U)
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 14 2023:
Expressing concern over the the hike in air fares and the future of artistes and performers and artistes of traditional art form becoming uncertain amid the ethnic strife in Manipur, the State unit of Janata Dal (United) has resolved to meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey and seek her intervention to restore the problems.
In a statement signed by its president Ksh Biren, JD (U), Manipur said that a meeting of the State Parliamentary Board of the party was convened today which deliberated on two agenda.
The agenda included relief to passengers of Manipur who travel to Guwahati by air and relief to the artistes, actors, performers of traditional arts, technicians and skilled personnel in the film industry and Shumang Leela and others related to art and culture activities of Manipur.
The statement, however, didn't mention when they plan to meet the Governor.
The JD (U), Manipur said that people belonging to Meetei/Meitei have been compelled to take a flight whenever they need to travel to Guwahati due to the blockade along National Highway and the risks associated in travelling by road from Imphal to Dimapur/Jiribam/Silchar.
Saying that the airfare for the flight between Imphal and Guwahati has become exorbitant even going up to Rs 10,000 at a time for a single ticket due to the situation, the party continued that they will submit a memorandum to the Governor to subsidise the airfare between Imphal and Guwahati and vice versa in respect of Meetei/Meitei community.
The JD (U), Manipur said that airfare for Imphal-Guwahati and vice versa in excess of Rs 2000 may be borne by the State Government to relief the air passengers of Manipur.
On relief for artistes and performers, the statement said that they will urge the Governor to extend financial assistance to all artistes and performers of traditional art forms affected by the protracted violence in Manipur.
It continued that all activities of artistes and performers in Manipur have been affected by the violence and their earnings have been reduced to nil (almost) with no alternative means of livelihood.