Sit-in demands preservation of Koirengei airfield
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 15 2026: A sit-in protest was held today at Koirengei, demanding the preservation of the historic Koirengei Airfield.

During the demonstration organised by Campaign for Protection and Preservation of Koirengei Airfield (CPPKAF), protesters carried placards bearing slogans such as 'Preserving Koirengei is Preserving the History of the Indian Armed Forces', 'History Cannot Be Rebuilt Once Destroyed', 'No Development Without Preservation,' 'Koirengei Airfield Belong to People', 'Honour the Past, Save Koirengei Airfield,' and 'Stop Destroying Our Heritage', among others.

The protesters decried the alleged construction of permanent structures at the site.

They demanded that all construction activities at the old airfield must be halted immediately Speaking to the media on the sidelines, CPPKAF convenor N Shanta said that they organised the protest against the construction of permanent structures at the site.

People want the Koirengei Airfield, currently occupied by Central forces, to be converted into a historical or tourism site, rather than being permanently occupied by Central forces, he said.

Emphasising that the old airfield is of National importance, having played a critical role during World War II, Shanta urged the Government to recollect the significance of the Koirengei Airfield and take necessary steps to protect it.

People initially thought the Central forces were stationed at the site temporarily, but the construction of permanent structures has raised concerns, he said.

Shanta said that they have also submitted several memoranda to the Central Government to protect the old airfield.

Comment