The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sent an Indian Air force helicopter (ALH DRUV) to Imphal Wednesday evening as per state government’s request for use in emergency operations.
In view of the escalating law-and-order situation in the border town of Moreh, the Government of Manipur had urgently sought assistance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with regards to Air support.
The state has formally requisitioned MHA Air Assets, specifically helicopters, to address the emergent requirements arising from continuous exchanges of fire in the border town Moreh.
The request, communicated through a letter from the Home Department to the Additional Secretary, Police-II Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, emphasizes the gravity of the situation. The letter, dated January 17, 2024, refers to MHA’s earlier communication on January 4, 2024, urging specificity in requisition periods due to limited resources in the NorthEast region.
The Commissioner (Home) of Manipur, T Ranjit Singh, highlighted the critical nature of the ongoing events, citing the unfortunate death of one IRB personnel during a recent exchange of fire in Moreh on Wednesday morning.
The letter stressed the potential for further deterioration in the prevailing situation and the imminent threat of a medical emergency.
Accordingly, the Manipur Government has urgently requested the provision of MHA Air Assets, specifically helicopters, to be stationed in Imphal starting from January 17, 2024, for a minimum period of seven days. The requisition includes the necessity for airlifting security personnel, ammunition, and other essential supplies to Moreh to address the security concerns effectively.
The state government has classified the matter as “very important and urgent,” emphasising the pressing need for swift action.
