Golden Myanmar puts Imphal on International aviation map
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 21 2013:
With the maiden landing of a chartered Golden Myanmar aircraft at Tulihal Airport today, Imphal has successfully made its debut on the international civil aviation map.
The chartered flight from Myanmar to India brought 166 delegates from the neighbouring country led by Mandalay Chief Minister U Ye Myint and Sagaing Chief Minister U Thar Aye.
As the Golden Myanmar aircraft landed at Tulihal Airport for the first time, two fire tenders of the Airport Authority of India gave water salute to the aircraft following which the foreign delegates were given a red-carpet reception by State Government officials.
After landing at Imphal, both the Chief Ministers of Mandalay and Sagaing expressed delight on being part of the historic flight.
The two Chief Ministers were accompanied by 63 representatives from Mandalay and another 27 representatives from Sagaing.
The Myanmarese delegation comprising of 166 officials, businessmen and journalists landed at Imphal together with Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Gautam Mukhopadhyay, Indian Consulate General of Mandalay Madan Mohan Shetty and four Meitei diasporas from Mandalay.
They were given a red carpet reception by Chief Minister O Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Industries Minister K Govindas, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, Education Minister M Okendro, Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai, RD Minister Francis Ngajokpa, IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, Parliamentary Secretary M Prithiviraj and other high ranking officials.
Takhelchangbam Narahari, one of the four Manipuri diasporas who accompanied the Myanmarese delegation said that he would explore all the areas of viable bilateral trade between Manipur and Mandalay.
He also expressed profound happiness on being able to visit Manipur on such a historic occasion.
In addition to the Myanmarese delegation who landed at Imphal in a chartered Golden Myanmar aircraft, 37 other Myanmarese reached Imphal today for the Manipur Sangai Tourism Festival via Moreh by road.
On its return flight, the Golden Myanmar aircraft took 128 passengers from Imphal to Mandalay.
The Myanmarese delegation visited Shija Hospitals, RIMS, JNIMS, Babina Diagnostics Centre, High Court complex and the State Assembly.
They would visit Sendra tomorrow and see Loktak Lake.
Meanwhile, DoNER Minister Pawan Singh Ghatowar who too arrived at Imphal today for the gala event stated that Manipur is keen to showcase its picturesque landscape, rich cultural heritage and historical sites before the whole world.
He also assured assistance from the side of DoNER Ministry in developing tourism infrastructure in the State.
Saying that the Golden Myanmar flight which landed at Imphal today was a chartered one, Principal Secretary (Home) Suresh Babu maintained that development of infrastructure required for an international airport is lagging by some small portions although the Union Cabinet has already given its approval to give international airport tag to Tulihal Airport.
With the infrastructure development work expected to be fully complete in the next couple of days, due process for introducing regular international flights would be initiated very soon, Suresh Babu said.
At Shija Hospital, the Myanmarese delegation were shown a seven minute documentary film which highlighted the medical feats and ultra modern medical equipment of the hospital.
Interacting with the delegation, Shija Hospital managing director Dr Palin offered to continue free cleft and palate surgery under Smile Train Shija Cleft Project in Myanmar.
He offered special services like free eye care (PHACO cataract surgery) through Shija Eye Care Foundation as well as free key hole surgeries through AMASI (Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India) .
Dr Palin further offered dedicated accommodation for Myanmar patients and their relatives in the campus of Shija at highly subsidised rate.
He also expressed his keen desire to set up a dozen information centres in various towns of Myanmar to facilitate information, transportation and logistic support for those who want to undergo treatment at Shija.
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