New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved two new helicopter routes in Manipur, connecting the violence-affected districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi/Senapati with the neighboring states of Mizoram and Nagaland, respectively.
The new routes, which will be operational under the existing helicopter subsidy scheme, are: Churachandpur to Aizawl (Mizoram) and Kangpokpi/Senapati to Dimapur (Nagaland)
The approval for the new routes comes in the wake of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has claimed over 160 lives and displaced thousands of people. The violence has also disrupted road and rail connectivity in the state, making it difficult for people to travel between the affected districts and the rest of the state.
The introduction of helicopter services is expected to provide a much-needed lifeline to the people of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi/Senapati, who have been cut off from essential services and supplies. The services will also help to facilitate the movement of security forces and relief workers into the affected areas.
The MHA has said that the new helicopter routes will be operational for a period of one year, after which their performance will be reviewed. If the services are found to be successful, they may be extended for a longer period.
The approval for the new helicopter routes is a welcome step by the MHA. It will help to improve connectivity in the violence-affected areas of Manipur and provide much-needed relief to the people of the state.
In addition to the two new routes, the MHA has also approved additional flying hours for the existing helicopter route between Churachandpur and Imphal airport. This will help to increase the frequency of flights on this route and make it easier for people to travel between the two cities.
The MHA’s decision to approve the new helicopter routes is a positive one. It shows that the government is committed to providing relief to the people of Manipur and helping to restore normalcy in the state.