Airlift IRB recruits: Guardians
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 16 2024:
Citing security reasons, concerned guardians have appealed the State Government to airlift/fly back the recruits of the 1 Oth and 11 th IRB battalions, who have completed training at Assam, instead of bringing them back by road.
Otherwise, the Government should equip them with adequate weapons and bullet proof vests in case of road travel, they added, while staging a protest demonstration at Hapta Kangjeibung gate today.
The 10th and 11th IRB recruits will participate in their Passing Out Parade (POP) on December 23 and make their way home from December 24, as per a recent Government notification.
Decrying the notification, Heikrujam Ranibala, a guardian, shared that a memorandum was also submitted to Chief Minister N Biren Singh in this connection on December 14 .
Despite being assured of an audience with the Chief Minister at an appropriate date/time, she rued that nothing has been communicated to the guardians so far.
Highlighting the threat posed by Kuki miscreants on the highway, she urged the State Government to cancel their plan to bring the IRB recruits back by road.
"The guardians are prepared to contribute their bit if the Government is facing difficulties in flying them home", she maintained.
Additionally, if the State is adamant on road travel, issue adequate weapons and bullet proof vests to the IRB recruits to ensure their safety, she demanded.
It may be noted that on January 15, 2024, the IRB recruits were airlifted from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport for military training at Assam after family members protested the State's decision to send them by road.