Army, AR airlift essentials for landslide-hit Henglep villages
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIO

Imphal/CCpur, August 01 2025: In a vital humanitarian initiative, Assam Rifles in close coordination with the Indian Air Force conducted a joint ration distribution drive for 18 villages under Henglep sub-division in Churachandpur district, which have remained cut off since July 17 following multiple landslides along the National Highway 2 .

According to PRO IGAR (S), the op eration, aptly named 'Op Sahyog', was spearheaded by the AR Aina unit from early morning till noon on Friday, facilitating airlifting of six tonnes of essential supplies including rice, pulses, and other daily necessities, supporting approximately 1,500 affected villagers.

Indian Air Force helicopters transported the relief material from Churachandpur to designated drop zones across Henglep sub division wherein Assam Rifles personnel ensured swift collection and equitable distribution of the supplies, reaching every village impacted by the natural calamity.

Army, AR airlift essentials for landslide-hit Henglep villages

The coordinated effort underscores the unwavering commitment of Assam Rifles and the Indian Air Force to assist distressed communities in remote and inaccessible regions, the PRO conveyed.

According to a report filed by district information officer (DIO), Churachandpur, the district administration under the guidance of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and in close coordination with the Home Department, Relief & Disaster Management Department, and the Indian Air Force, successfully conducted the airdropping of essential commodities on Friday to Santing, Saichang, and adjoining villages severely affected by multiple landslides along the Churachandpur-Tipaimukh Road(NH-02) .

Over the past week, incessant rainfall triggered more than 90 landslides, particularly along the stretch between Chiangpi and Tuilaphai, effectively cutting off access to numerous remote villages.

The blockade led to the isolation of several communities, resulting in critical shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies.

In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, Governor Ajay Kumar immediately directed that all necessary actions be taken to ensure essential supplies reach the villages cut off during the floods.

The district administration, in coordination with Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip, launched an emergency aerial relief operation to deliver rice, pulses, medicines, and other essentials to the stranded population.

The operation closely monitored by MLA Letzamang, chief secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, commissioner (Home & RDM) Ashok Kumar, Churachandpur deputy commissioner Dharun Kumar S and Henglep SDO Th Mangminthang Gangte, was executed using an Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter.

The chopper was deployed from the 36 Assam Rifles helipad at Headquarters Veng, Churachandpur, and the relief materials were successfully dropped at the Muolhoiching helipad.

This marks a historic first for the region-underscoring the government's commitment to reaching every citizen with timely assistance, regardless of terrain, in times of crisis.

DC Dharun Kumar expressed appreciation for the swift and coordinated response of all participating agencies and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to sustained support until full normalcy is restored.

Meanwhile, ground-level restoration works are underway at a rapid pace.

Agencies including the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), BIPL, and other executing bodies are working tirelessly to clear debris and restore road connectivity as soon as possible.

The district administration also extended its sincere gratitude to the Indian Air Force, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Assam Rifles, and all line departments involved in this critical operation.