Our Correspondent
Imphal, Oct. 29 (EMN): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday launched the helicopter services for Imphal-Moreh and Imphal-Tamenglong sectors at the Imphal International Airport in Manipur.
The chief minister officially inaugurated the service of the two routes by cutting the ribbon of ticket counter of Manipur Heli-Service opened. He also handed over the ticket to the first passenger of the heli-service.
Singh said introduction of helicopter services would enhance connectivity in the state thereby boosting the sense of belongingness and oneness amongst the people.
Manipur is a state having many difficult terrains and it takes many hours even to reach district headquarters. However, people would now be able to reach district headquarters within minutes with the introduction of Manipur heli-service, he said.
Stating that helicopter services may be operational in many other routes including Ukhrul, Senapati and Churachandpur as well, he said that he had talked to the concerned authority regarding the matter.
Maintaining that the government is extremely concerned with the inconvenience faced by the people residing in interior areas at the time of medical emergency, the chief minister informed that flying doctors (air ambulance service) would also be launched within one and a half month. He also disclosed that the Union Sports Ministry had approved opening of a sports medicine unit at RIMS hospital.
Responding to a query regarding looting of vehicles on NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road), Singh said that the state forces has been ordered to conduct a massive combing operation with the help of army and paramilitary forces to nab the culprits who were involved. He added that “the government would not spare those involved in such illegal activities and strong action would be taken against them.”
The chief minister said the state government has been restraining from exercising force as far as possible, however the situation has compelled to use security forces at the areas where unlawful activities are happening.
Regarding the raising of highway protection force, he said that the Centre had granted to raise two IRB battalions and necessary procedures for recruitment process had already started. Recruitment committee had already been formed and completion of recruitment would take two-three months, he informed.
