Manipur cabinet approves Pawan Hans to resume helicopter services

Guwahati: The Manipur cabinet in its meeting on Thursday approved engaging Pawan Hans Limited, a Government of India undertaking, to restore helicopter services in Manipur, suspended since 1 October 2026. One twin-engine helicopter will be deployed for six months, or until a regular operator is selected through tender, with a minimum of 40 flying hours a month. The service will again connect remote and hill areas with Imphal, helping passengers and medical emergencies. Costs will be shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs under its Northeast helicopter scheme; if Central support is not available, the State will bear the expenditure so that services continue.

The cabinet has decided that Loktak Day will now be celebrated every year as a State Festival on the full-moon day of Mera (Thanil of Mera Tha). The community tradition, started in 1990 at Thanga, honours Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Northeast and a lifeline for the livelihoods and culture of Manipur. Every year the festival will be held in 2 locations. This year's celebration starting on 26 October 2026 will be held at Loktak Lairembi Ground, Thanga, and at Komlakhong, organised by the Loktak Development Authority with local clubs. The public, students and youth can take part in cultural events, traditional sports and conservation activities.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met representatives of villages under Machi Block, Tengnoupal district, at the CM Bungalow, Imphal. The delegation was led by Jajo Sylvester Headman, Wairok Hangshing, President of the Maring Uparap Assembly, and Shri Bosco Maring, Chairman of Machi Village.


During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Chief Minister of various issues concerning infrastructure, healthcare, security and community development in the Maring Naga inhabited villages of the district. The Maring Uparap Assembly, an apex civil society organisation of the Maring Naga community, highlighted several pressing concerns requiring the attention of the State Government.

The delegation raised the need for improvement of roads and bridges in the area to ensure better connectivity among villages. They also urged the Chief Minister to upgrade the existing Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Machi to a Community Health Centre (CHC) to strengthen healthcare services and improve access to medical facilities for the local population.

On matters of law and order, the representatives highlighted the shortage of police personnel at Machi Block Police Station, which reportedly has only 25 personnel to cover around 50 villages. They urged the Chief Minister to strengthen the police station by deploying additional personnel.

The delegation further pointed out that the Bank of Baroda is the only bank serving the Machi Block area and stressed the need for adequate security arrangements at the bank to ensure the safety of its staff, customers and assets.

The representatives also urged the Chief Minister to provide a community hall in every village to support public meetings, social gatherings and other community activities.

Singh gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured its members that the Government would take necessary action on the issues raised.