WMC urges ministry to regulate air fare
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 08 2024: World Meetei Council (WNC) has submitted a memorandum to the union minister of civil aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu seeking immediate intervention to regulate air ticket prices for flights connecting Imphal to nearby cities.

The appeal came amidst the ongoing conflict in the state, which has severely impacted surface transportation.

In the memorandum addressed to the civil aviation minister, the Council highlighted plight of Imphal Valley resident, who have been enduring prolonged crisis for over 16 months.

The Imphal Valley, a geographically enclosed region, depends on two critical routes - National Highway 2 through Kangpokpi district, connecting to Nagaland, and National Highway 37 through Tamenglong district, connecting to Assam.

However, due to the unrest, these routes have become unsafe for the Meetei community, forcing citizens to rely heavily on air travel through Imphal Airport.

The Council expressed concern over the rising air ticket prices from Imphal to cities like Dimapur, Guwahati, and Silchar, which have surged dramatically over the past year.

"Given the limited alternatives and the precarious situation faced by the residents, many are left with no option but to endure high travel costs or risk their safety," the memorandum stated.

The World Meetei Council urged the union minister to take immediate measures to regulate air ticket prices, suggesting options such as price capping, subsidies, or increasing the frequency of flights to ease the burden on the people of Manipur.

In the memorandum, the Council expressed hope for prompt and favourable response from the union minister, emphasising the urgent need for relief during this challenging period.

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