Now chopper service connects Imphal-Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, March 11 2024: Chief Minister N Biren today launched helicopter service on Imphal-Ukhrul-Imphal route before distributing financial aid to selected beneficiaries of Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (MBOCWWB) .

Apart from launching helicopter service on Imphal-Ukhrul-Imphal route during an event held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat this morning, the Chief Minister also opened District Transport Offices of Jiribam, Kakching, Noney, Pherzawl and Kamjong.

Addressing the event, the Chief Minister thanked the Central Government for launching the Manipur Heli service in 2018 .

He further appreciated and lauded Transport Minister Khashim Vashum and officials of the department for their efforts.

Now chopper service connects Imphal-Ukhrul

The Chief Minister said that the chopper service between Ukhrul and Imphal would ease the trouble of the people while transporting patients and during other emergencies.

N Biren also highlighted that the Manipur heli service is operating on various routes already including along Imphal -Churachand-pur, Imphal to Aizwal via Churachandpur, Imphal to Lairouching, Imphal to Dimapur via Lairouching and Imphal-Moreh among others.

Since its launch in 2018, the chopper service has flown 31,163 passengers, he said.

Further highlighting that fares for Imphal-Jiribam and Imphal-Tamenglong were subsidized, the Chief Minister said that the Imphal-Ukhrul fare will also be made available at the subsidised rate of Rs 2500 .

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also urged people collecting donations along the road to stop immediately so as to not cause disturbances to others.

The function was also attended by Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, Ministers, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Maharaja Leishemba Sana-jaoba, MLAs, Chief Secre- tary Dr Vineet Joshi and others.

DC Ukhrul, Kengoo Zuringla, officials of the district, CSO leaders and others also attended the function through video conferencing from the DC office, Ukhrul.

Mungchan Zimik adds from Ukhrul: The first helicopter passengers led by Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, MLAs Ram Muivah, Leishiyo Keishing, Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing, Secretary Transport Micheal Achom, Director Transport Nivedita Lairenlakpam and Joint secretary, Transport David Elangbam and Deputy Secretary, Transport ST Rithung Anal arrived at around 11.20 am in Ukhrul.

They were given a warm reception by DC, Ukhrul Kengoo Zuringla along with SP, Ukhrul, ADM, SDOs, Assam Rifles officers and headman of Hunphun village HA Khayaiwo, VAs and local CSOs at Somsai, Ukhrul.

The team led by Khashim Vashum headed straight to DC conference hall and held a meeting with JAC Ukhrul that has imposed an indefinite bandh since March 6, 2024 in protest against the illegal tax collection by certain individuals/organisa- tions on trucks, wingers, DIs, buses and other taxi services plying on the Imphal-Ukhrul road in the name of donations.

The JAC Ukhrul after getting assurance from Transport Minister Khashim Vashum announced withdrawal of their indefinite bandh with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, local citizen of Ukhrul Shimreingam Zimik expressed that availability of chopper service would ensure convenient passenger transportation, particularly at times of emergency situations and rescue operations.

He expressed gratitude to CM N Biren Singh and Transport Minister Khashim Vashum for connecting Ukhrul with Imphal by helicopter.Later at a function held at Hapta Kangjeibung, the Chief Minister handed cheques to select beneficiaries (next of kin) of Accidental Death Benefits and Natural Deaths.

The benefits will be transferred to the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer.

Addressing a mammoth gathering today, the Chief Minister said, "Today we are all facing a hard time, but with the grace of God we are returning towards peace and normalcy" .

Expressing sadness at the loss of lives, properties, and misery caused by the recent crisis, the Chief Minister said that the Government has taken up all possible steps to ensure that such unfortunate events do not repeat again.

Deployment of State security personnel in the foothills and vulnerable areas is already in place and will be completed soon, he said.

Stating that Manipur Rifles and IRB battalions in Imphal and nearby areas are being shifted to foothill areas, he added that soon Manipur will return to normalcy.

Today, around Rs 17 crore (approx.) would be distributed to labour card holders, the Chief Minister added.

The Chief Minister further said that people should also appreciate people-centric schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It was only after Narendra Modi came to power that the long-standing demand for Inner Line Permit was extended to Manipur, he asserted.

N Biren also asserted that his Government hasn't worked against any community.

The Government had only acted against illegal drugs, poppy cultivation, deforestation and against those from any community who entered the State illegally, he added.

He reminded that the Cabinet sub-committee to identify those who entered the State illegally was chaired by Cabinet Minister Letpao Haokip.

The people should all live and settle together like before, but understand that those who were already here before 1961 are permanent citizens, he said.

The Chief Minister further said that the Manipur Building & Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board has also adopted the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan.

Skill, Labour, Employment and Entrepreneurship Minister H Dingo said that the benefits will be distributed to around 26,000 people and lauded the staff and employees of the board for organising such an event.