IMPHAL, Oct 1: Manipur Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba has written to Union Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister K Rammohon Naidu, urging a review of the airfare policy for flights operating in the Imphal sector. He called for making travel costs “concessional and affordable” due to the ongoing law and order crisis in the state.
Leishemba pointed out that travel for the Meitei community outside Manipur has been severely disrupted, as key highways like NH 37 (Imphal-Silchar) and NH 39 (Imphal-Dimapur), which pass through Kuki-dominated areas, have become unsafe. As a result, most travelers, particularly students and patients seeking medical treatment, are forced to fly to cities such as Guwahati or Kolkata, placing an additional financial burden on them.
“Due to the risks involved, people are left with no choice but to rely on air travel, which has become increasingly expensive,” the MP said. He noted that airlines have been raising fares for outbound flights from Imphal, further exacerbating the situation.
In his letter, Leishemba urged the civil aviation minister to consider introducing concessional airfares, especially for students, patients, and the general public, to alleviate the financial strain. “I am compelled to seek your kind consideration for a concessional airfare policy for travelers from Manipur to other parts of India,” he added.